Barely 24 hours after sending students on compulsory mid semester break on account of the protest over Transport issues Monday the Leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has condemn the action of the school authorities.
In a statement its coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, the zone expresses deep concern and unequivocally condemns the persistent pattern of administrative insensitivity, and disregard for student welfare by the management of Obafemi Awolowo University.
In the statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Olugbemi Timothy, and copied the Special Assistan on Security to Osun state Governor,the Director of State Services,DSS, State Education Commissioner and Commissioner of Police, the zone,”viewed the developments on campus, particularly in recent weeks, reflect a growing disconnect between the University authorities and the realities faced daily by students.
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Said he,”NANS Southwest has carefully reviewed the series of engagements, resolutions, and communications issued by the Great Ife Students’ Union. It is evident that students have acted with restraint, responsibility, and commitment to peaceful engagement.”
It stated further that apart from the 72-hour lecture boycott by the students to sustain dialogue with management, and ultimately the peaceful protest confined strictly within the campus gate axis, students have consistently demonstrated maturity in expressing their grievances.
“At no point did these actions degenerate into violence or public disorder, contrary to the mischaracterization by the University management.”
According to the association, the core issues raised by students remain both cogent and urgent.
He stated further that ” the newly introduced transportation system has subjected over 35,000 students to severe hardship, including inadequate mobility, overcrowding, delays to academic activities, and safety concerns.”
“Despite multiple engagements, the management has failed to provide immediate and practical solutions, instead urging continued patience while proposing long-term alternatives that do not address the current crisis. Equally troubling is the proposed mid-semester evacuation of students from Awolowo Hall (Blocks 7 and 8) without adequate notice, planning, or provision of alternative accommodation an action that is both disruptive and unjustifiable in the middle of an academic session.
Most disturbing, however, is the management’s directive enforcing an immediate mid-semester break following a peaceful protest. This action is widely perceived as punitive and an attempt to suppress legitimate student expression rather than address the issues raised. Such measures undermine the principles of dialogue, fairness, and democratic engagement within an academic environment.
In light of these developments, NANS Southwest stands firmly with the students of Obafemi Awolowo University and declares that the rights of Nigerian students to peaceful assembly, expression, and fair treatment must not be trampled upon. The continuous disregard for student welfare is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe will compel NANS Southwest to activate coordinated regional actions in defense of students’ rights and welfare. We will not hesitate to mobilize students across the Southwest in lawful and sustained actions to ensure that justice is served and accountability is enforced.
NANS Southwest remains committed to constructive engagement but stands ready to take decisive steps where necessary. The management of Obafemi Awolowo University must act swiftly to restore confidence, protect student welfare, and uphold the integrity of the institution.
Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta!.
E-Signed:
Comrade Olugbemi T Timothy.
*PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER*
NANS SOUTHWEST
+2348068186229.
Comrade Ojetola Babatunde Y.
*GENERAL SECRETARY*
NANS SOUTHWEST
+2347061367584
Comrade Adeyemo Josiah. K
*COORDINATOR*
NANS SOUTHWEST
+2348139474542
Cc:
Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Student Matters to Osun State Governor.
Office of the Commissioner of Education.
Office of the Commissioner of Police.
Office of the Osun State Department of State Services (DSS).
