NANS Condemns LAUTECH Student Suspensions, Warns Of Impending Mass Action
The South-West Zone D branch of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the suspension of several students at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso. The students were suspended for their alleged involvement in a protest against the relocation of the Anatomy and Physiology departments. NANS described the university's response as heavy-handed and warned that it could stifle legitimate student expression.
The student union has also threatened mass action, announcing plans to lead a peaceful protest at the university on Monday, 8 June. They are demanding that the suspensions be overturned and that talks be reopened between the university management and the student body.
In a joint statement issued by Coordinator Adeyemo Josiah, General Secretary Ojetola Babatunde, and Public Relations Officer Olugbemi Timothy, NANS expressed deep concern over the punitive measures taken against students who were simply raising concerns about policies affecting their academic welfare.
The association clarified that while it does not condone the breakdown of law and order, it is deeply troubled that students who took part in a peaceful protest are being penalised rather than being invited to take part in constructive dialogue.
“We received with deep concern the suspension letters issued to several students of LAUTECH over their alleged involvement in a peaceful protest concerning the relocation of the Anatomy and Physiology Departments from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences,” the statement read.
According to NANS, reports suggest that the students were protesting against what they saw as the abrupt relocation of their departments. They had raised valid concerns regarding how the sudden move would disrupt their academic work, increase their transport costs, and strain their finances and general well-being.
The association revealed that representatives from NANS South-West had previously stepped in during the initial protests, engaging with both the students and the university management in an effort to defuse tensions and encourage open dialogue.
“It is 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 association stated.
NANS also linked the situation to the prolonged absence of a Students’ Union Government (SUG) at the institution. The association noted that without a union, students have been left without a recognised platform to formally voice their concerns to the university management.
“For years, assurances have been made regarding the restoration of student unionism in LAUTECH, yet students remain without a functioning representative structure. This has widened the communication gap between management and students and created avoidable tensions,” it added.
The student union described the reported four-semester suspension handed down to the students as inconsistent and entirely disproportionate. They argued that the decision breaches the principles of a fair hearing, restorative justice, and democratic engagement within academic institutions.
Consequently, NANS has demanded an immediate review and reversal of the disciplinary action, open talks between university authorities and the affected students, and a clear timeline for the reinstatement of the Students’ Union Government.
The association further called for an end to what it termed the victimisation and intimidation of students, insisting that lawful representation and engagement must not be suppressed.
To enforce its demands, NANS has announced plans to mobilise students and stakeholders for a peaceful protest at the university this Monday.
“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 expressed its hope that the university management would opt for dialogue and reconciliation rather than penalties, stressing that the welfare, rights, and dignity of Nigerian students are entirely non-negotiable.
