NANS South-West gives FUOYE 48-hour ultimatum to reinstate suspended students

The NANS Southwest zone has demanded the reinstatement of suspended students of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) within 48 hours, while threatening to shut down the institution on Monday.

In a statement signed by NANS Southwest Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, on Friday, the association said it was not opposed to discipline or accountability but insisted disciplinary procedures must not become instruments of intimidation, victimisation or suppression of legitimate student voices. 

The crisis followed the suspension of students allegedly involved in resisting a criminal attack on campus. NANS said reports available to it showed students who mobilised to protect colleagues from armed attackers are now facing disciplinary sanctions.

NANS called on FUOYE Vice Chancellor, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, to immediately review the disciplinary actions and constitute an independent panel to investigate both the suspensions and broader security concerns confronting students. 

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Kayode stressed that academic stability thrives on trust, dialogue and respect for student rights, not fear or perceived injustice. 

“An injury to one Nigerian student remains an injury to all Nigerian students. It is troubling that at a time when students continue to express fears over recurring security challenges, disciplinary measures appear to be receiving greater urgency than concerns about their safety

“If true, that students who resisted criminal attacks are being punished, it raises serious questions about the message being sent to students daily confronted with security threats

“Failure to act within the stipulated period will leave Nigerian students with no option but to embark on coordinated, peaceful and democratic actions in defence of justice, student welfare and campus security.

“Our presence on campus will be to engage stakeholders, assess the situation firsthand, interface with affected students, and demand accountability regarding insecurity and student welfare,” he said.