The National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West Zone D, has condemned the suspension of some students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, over their alleged involvement in a peaceful protest concerning the relocation of the Anatomy and Physiology Departments.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Ibadan, the student body described the suspension as excessive and unfair, insisting that students who raised legitimate concerns should not be punished for expressing grievances.
The students had protested the movement of the departments from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, arguing that the decision would negatively affect their academic activities and welfare.
The statement was jointly signed by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Olugbemi Timothy; General Secretary, Ojetola Babatunde; and Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah.
NANS rejects “punitive measures”
NANS said while it does not support the breakdown of law and order, it is troubling that the institution chose sanctions over dialogue.
According to the association, the affected students protested the abrupt implementation of the relocation policy because of its implications on transportation, finances, welfare and academic activities.
“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,” the statement read.
The student body added that representatives of NANS South-West had earlier intervened during the protest to encourage dialogue and de-escalate tensions between students and management.
Concerns over suspension of students’ union
The association also expressed concern over the prolonged suspension of the Students’ Union Government in LAUTECH.
According to NANS, the absence of a functioning student union has widened the communication gap between students and the institution’s management, creating avoidable tensions.
The body noted that promises had repeatedly been made regarding the restoration of student unionism, yet students remain without a proper representative structure.
NANS described the four-semester suspension handed to the affected students as excessive and inconsistent with the principles of fair hearing and democratic engagement within academic institutions.
Protest scheduled for Monday
The association announced plans to stage a peaceful protest at the university on Monday, 8 June 2026, to demand the reversal of the suspensions and engagement with the affected students.
NANS demanded the immediate review of the disciplinary action, open dialogue between management and students, and a clear roadmap for the restoration of the Students’ Union Government in the institution.
“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,” the statement added.
The association urged the university management to embrace dialogue instead of sanctions, stressing that the welfare and rights of Nigerian students remain non-negotiable.
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