The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, has threatened to begin a peaceful shutdown of academic activities across tertiary institutions in Osun State over growing insecurity ahead of the state’s governorship election.
According to Punch, the student body said the decision followed an increase in political violence, shootings, intimidation and politically motivated killings, which it believes now pose a serious threat to students.
In a statement jointly signed by Coordinator Adeyemo Josiah, Secretary-General Ojetola Babatunde and Public Relations Officer Tope Olugbemi, NANS said students could no longer be expected to attend lectures while violence continued to escalate around their campuses.
The association expressed concern over reports of gunshots in communities near tertiary institutions, particularly at night, and criticised the absence of a comprehensive security plan to protect campuses, student hostels, surrounding communities and major transport routes during the election period.
NANS said all its structures, including Joint Campus Council officials, Students’ Union Governments and other stakeholders, had been placed on alert for the planned action. It added that the date, duration 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, the association warned politicians against exploiting undergraduates for political gain or using them as tools during the election.
It also advised students to avoid sharing sensitive personal information with strangers, boarding unmarked vehicles and participating in violent political activities. Instead, it urged them to vote based on competence, credibility and commitment to education.
NANS insisted the planned shutdown was not politically motivated but aimed solely at protecting students’ lives and welfare.
The association called on Governor Ademola Adeleke, security agencies, tertiary institution authorities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the Independent National Electoral Commission to provide concrete security guarantees before the election.
Maintaining its stance, NANS declared that until credible security assurances are provided and meaningful engagement begins with student leaders, its position remains: “No security, no academic activities.”
