The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, has announced plans to commence a peaceful shutdown of academic activities across tertiary institutions in Osun State over growing concerns about political violence ahead of the state’s governorship election.
In a statement jointly signed by Coordinator Adeyemo Josiah, Secretary-General Ojetola Babatunde and Public Relations Officer Tope Olugbemi, the association said the rising cases of shootings, intimidation and politically related killings have created an unsafe environment for students. It noted that reports of gunshots in communities surrounding some campuses, particularly at night, have heightened fear among students living both on and off campus.
NANS said all its structures, including Joint Campus Council officials, Students’ Union Governments and other stakeholders, have been placed on alert for the planned action. The association explained that students would be advised to return home peacefully until adequate security is restored, adding that the date and operational details of the shutdown would be announced through official NANS and Students’ Union channels.
While encouraging students to participate peacefully in the electoral process, NANS warned political parties and candidates against using undergraduates for electoral purposes or exposing them to violence. The association urged students to vote based on competence, credibility and commitment to education rather than intimidation, inducement or political pressure. The student body stressed that the planned shutdown is not politically motivated but aimed solely at protecting the lives and welfare of students. It called on Governor Ademola Adeleke, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), heads of tertiary institutions, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to provide concrete security measures, insisting that academic activities will remain suspended until credible security guarantees are provided.
