The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has announced plans to shut down academic activities across tertiary institutions in Osun State over growing concerns about political violence ahead of the state’s governorship election.

In a statement jointly signed by the Coordinator of NANS Southwest Zone D, Comrade Adeyemo Kayode; Secretary-General, Comrade Ojetola Yusuf and the Public Relations Officer, Comrade Tope Olugbemi, the student body expressed concern over what it described as an alarming increase in politically motivated violence, shootings, intimidation and killings across the state.

According to the association, the deteriorating security situation has created fear among students, particularly those living on and around campuses, with reports of gunshots in communities hosting tertiary institutions becoming increasingly frequent.

The student leaders lamented the absence of a clearly defined security framework to safeguard students, campuses, host communities and major transportation routes during the election period.

“The prevailing atmosphere is no longer one that guarantees the safety of students or allows academic activities to continue without fear,” the statement read.

NANS maintained that students should not be expected to continue academic activities under conditions where their safety cannot be guaranteed, stressing that protecting lives must take precedence over academic schedules.

The association also raised concerns over the increasing mobilisation of students by political parties for voter registration and other electoral activities, warning that students must not be manipulated or treated as political tools.

While affirming that students have constitutional rights to participate in the democratic process, NANS advised them to remain vigilant and avoid disclosing personal information to unidentified individuals or boarding unverified vehicles under the guise of political mobilisation.

The association urged students to vote based on competence, credibility and commitment to education rather than inducement, intimidation or political pressure.

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Announcing its next line of action, NANS disclosed that it had resolved to commence a total and peaceful shutdown of academic activities across tertiary institutions in Osun State, directing all Joint Campus Councils (JCCs), Students’ Union Governments (SUGs), student leaders and stakeholders to prepare for full compliance.

The association also advised students to prepare to return to their respective homes until peace and adequate security are restored across the state, noting that details regarding the commencement date and operational modalities would be communicated through official NANS channels.

According to the statement, the proposed action is neither politically motivated nor intended to support or oppose any political party or candidate but is aimed solely at protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerian students.

“We would rather temporarily suspend academic activities than issue condolence statements after preventable harm has been inflicted upon our members,” the student body stated.

NANS further warned political parties, candidates and their supporters to keep violence away from campuses, insisting that no tertiary institution should become a breeding ground for political thuggery.

The association vowed to expose any political organisation found exploiting or endangering students and cautioned students against participating in violent political activities or taking the law into their own hands.

The student body also called on the Governor of Osun State, security agencies, heads of tertiary institutions, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and election stakeholders to take urgent steps to guarantee the safety of students across the state.

It added that unless credible security assurances are provided and meaningful engagement is initiated with the recognised leadership of Nigerian students, its position would remain unchanged.

“Our campuses will not become killing fields. Our students will not be used as political tools. The safety of Nigerian students is not negotiable,” the statement concluded.