Osun 2026: NANS seeks suspension of lectures over security concerns

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, alongside recognised student leadership structures in Osun State, has called for the temporary suspension of academic activities in tertiary institutions ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, citing growing security concerns.

The student body also gave the Osun State Government, security agencies and the management of tertiary institutions a seven-day ultimatum to engage with recognised student leaders on measures to guarantee the safety of students before, during and after the election.

Addressing a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo, the Coordinator of NANS Southwest Zone D, Comrade Adeyemo Kayode, said the recommendation for a temporary suspension of academic activities was a precautionary measure aimed at protecting students living in communities experiencing increasing political tension.

“This recommendation is neither political nor partisan. It is not intended to interfere with the statutory powers of institutional authorities or government. Rather, it is a precautionary measure made solely in the interest of protecting lives,” he said.

According to Kayode, reports received from Students’ Union Governments and campus leaders indicated that many student-populated communities had witnessed violent incidents and rising political tension, exposing thousands of students residing in off-campus hostels to security risks.

Noting that students were innocent members of society and should never become victims of political violence because they chose to pursue an education in Osun State, he added that academic calendars could be reviewed, lectures rescheduled and examinations postponed, but the life of a student could not be replaced.

The association called on all relevant stakeholders, including the Osun State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Ministry of Education, governing councils, vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts and the managements of tertiary institutions, to initiate meaningful engagement with the recognised leadership of the Nigerian student community within seven days of the press conference.

It warned that failure to achieve meaningful engagement within the stipulated period would compel it to announce lawful, peaceful and democratic actions considered necessary to protect the lives, welfare and constitutional rights of Nigerian students.