.Wants restoration of student unionism 

By Adesina Wahab 

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Southwest Zone, has condemned the suspension of some students of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, who protested the relocation of their departments to another faculty.

The association noted that the relocation of the departments did not take into consideration the impact it would have on the academic future of the affected students and even their welfare.

In a statement by  Adeyemo Josiah.  K, the Coordinator, NANS Southwest, Olugbemi T Timothy, the Public Relations Officer and Ojetola Babatunde Y, the General Secretary, the association demanded the immediate recall of the students.

“The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has received with deep concern the suspension letters issued to several students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, over their alleged involvement in a peaceful protest concerning the relocation of Anatomy and Physiology Departments from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences.

“While NANS does not encourage the breakdown of law and order, we find it troubling that students who raised legitimate concerns over a policy that directly affects their academic welfare are being subjected to punitive measures rather than constructive engagement.

“Information available to us indicates that the affected students protested the abrupt implementation of a relocation directive which carries significant implications for their academic activities, transportation, finances, and overall welfare. 

“At the time of the protest, representatives of NANS Southwest, acting on our directive, engaged the students and management stakeholders in efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalate tensions. 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.

“NANS Southwest is equally concerned that this development is occurring against the backdrop of the prolonged suspension of the Students’ Union Government in LAUTECH. For years, assurances have been made regarding the restoration of student unionism in the institution, yet students remain without a properly functioning representative structure through which their concerns can be formally channeled. 

“The absence of a Students’ Union continues to widen the communication gap between management and students, creating avoidable tensions. We consider the suspension of these students for four semesters excessive, disproportionate, and inconsistent with the principles of fair hearing, restorative justice, and democratic engagement within academic communities.

Consequently, NANS Southwest hereby demands: The immediate review and reversal of the suspension of the affected students; an open dialogue between the university management and representatives of the affected students; a clear and time-bound roadmap for the restoration of the Students’ Union Government in LAUTECH.

“An end to all forms of victimization, intimidation, and actions capable of suppressing students’ rights to lawful representation and engagement.

To demonstrate our commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, NANS Southwest shall be leading a delegation to LAUTECH on Monday, 8th June, 2026, to engage the university management and relevant stakeholders on this matter.

“We remain hopeful that the management of LAUTECH will embrace dialogue over sanctions and demonstrate the wisdom expected of an institution committed to academic excellence, justice, and responsible administration. The welfare, rights, and dignity of Nigerian students shall remain non-negotiable.”