The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West Zone D, on Sunday decried the suspension of some students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, in Oyo State, over their alleged involvement in a peaceful protest concerning the relocation of the Anatomy and Physiology Departments from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Olugbemi Timothy; the General Secretary, Ojetola Babatunde; and the Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah, in Ibadan, the state capital.
NANS, which explained that it did not encourage the breakdown of law and order, added that it is unfair that students who raised legitimate concerns over a policy that directly affects their academic welfare are being subjected to punitive measures rather than constructive engagement.
It lamented that rather than addressing the underlying concerns that led to the protest, the institution has chosen a path that appears punitive and capable of intimidating students from expressing genuine grievances.
The association, therefore, vowed to occupy the institution’s premises tomorrow, Monday, June 8, 2026, for a peaceful protest over the suspension.
NANS said, “We received with deep concern the suspension letters issued to several students of LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, over their alleged involvement in a peaceful protest concerning the relocation of the Anatomy and Physiology Departments from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences.
“While NANS does not encourage the breakdown of law and order, we find it troubling that students who raised legitimate concerns over a policy that directly affects their academic welfare are being subjected to punitive measures rather than constructive engagement.
“Information available to us indicates that the affected students protested the abrupt implementation of a relocation directive which carries significant implications for their academic activities, transportation, finances, and overall welfare.
“At the time of the protest, representatives of NANS South-West, acting on our directive, engaged the students and management stakeholders in efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalate tensions.
“It is therefore disappointing that rather than addressing the underlying concerns that led to the protest, the institution has chosen a path that appears punitive and capable of intimidating students from expressing genuine grievances.
“NANS South-West is equally concerned that this development is occurring against the backdrop of the prolonged suspension of the Students’ Union Government in LAUTECH.”
The association stressed that for years, assurances have been made regarding the restoration of student unionism in the institution, yet students remain without a properly functioning representative structure through which their concerns can be formally channelled.
It further lamented that the absence of a Students’ Union in the institution has continued to widen the communication gap between the management and students, creating avoidable tensions.
NANS considered the suspension of those students for four semesters excessive, disproportionate, and inconsistent with the principles of fair hearing, restorative justice, and democratic engagement within academic communities.
The association, therefore, demanded, “Immediate review and reversal of the suspension of the affected students. An open dialogue between the university management and representatives of the affected students. A clear and time-bound roadmap for the restoration of the SUG in LAUTECH.
“An end to all forms of victimisation, intimidation, and actions capable of suppressing students’ rights to lawful representation and engagement. To demonstrate our commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, NANS South-West shall be leading a delegation to LAUTECH on Monday, June 8, 2026, to engage the university management and relevant stakeholders on this matter.
“We remain hopeful that the management of LAUTECH will embrace dialogue over sanctions and demonstrate the wisdom expected of an institution committed to academic excellence, justice, and responsible administration. The welfare, rights, and dignity of Nigerian students shall remain non-negotiable”, NANS added.
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