The National Association of Nigerian Students has called for the temporary suspension of academic activities in tertiary institutions across Osun State until the conclusion of the governorship election.
NANS South-West Zone D said the proposed shutdown was a preventive measure aimed at protecting students amid concerns about political tension in communities hosting higher institutions.
The association’s Zonal Coordinator, Kayode Adeyemo, made the appeal during a press conference held on Friday in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
Adeyemo said some host communities had experienced increasing political tension and incidents of violence ahead of the election.
He argued that tertiary institutions should remain closed until the security situation becomes more stable and the safety of students can be adequately guaranteed.
According to him, the proposal was not politically motivated and was not intended to interfere with the legal authority of the Osun State Government or the management of individual institutions.
He maintained that lectures, examinations and academic calendars could be rescheduled, while the loss of a student’s life would be irreversible.
Adeyemo said NANS preferred preventive action to responding after students had suffered avoidable harm.
The association disclosed that it had communicated its concerns to authorities responsible for security, public order and the administration of tertiary institutions in Osun State.
Adeyemo said the objective was not to confront the government or institutional authorities but to ensure that students were protected before, during and after the governorship election.
NANS called on the state government, security agencies and managers of tertiary institutions to engage with student representatives within seven days.
The proposed discussions are expected to focus on security concerns and measures required to safeguard students throughout the election period.
Adeyemo said the association remained committed to dialogue but insisted that discussions must lead to concrete action.
He warned that NANS South-West Zone D could begin lawful and peaceful actions if the relevant authorities failed to provide a meaningful response within the seven-day period.
Such action, he said, would be taken in consultation with recognised student leaders across Osun State and would focus on protecting students’ welfare, safety and constitutional rights.
The NANS coordinator also advised students to remain peaceful, vigilant and law-abiding as political activities intensify.
He encouraged eligible students to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, participate in the election responsibly and vote according to their convictions.
Students were also warned against allowing politicians or other groups to recruit them for violence or illegal activities.
Adeyemo appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct campaigns peacefully and avoid actions capable of threatening public safety.
He also urged security agencies to remain professional, neutral and respectful of citizens’ rights while maintaining order during the election period.
The association reaffirmed its non-partisan position, saying its intervention was solely focused on the safety, welfare and future of Nigerian students.
Adeyemo stressed that no political contest should be allowed to endanger the life of any student.
