The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a warning that it may organize mass protests across tertiary institutions in the southwest if student unions are not reinstated where they have been banned.
Speaking to the press in Osogbo on Wednesday, NANS Southwest (Zone D) Coordinator, Owolewa Taiwo, expressed concerns over the ban on student union activities, stating that the absence of these unions is detrimental to students’ welfare.
Taiwo highlighted several institutions, including Federal Polytechnic, Ede; Osun State Polytechnic, Iree; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso; and University of Lagos (UNILAG), as campuses where student union activities remain banned.
“The absence of functional Students’ Unions is a glaring affront to the rights and aspirations of Nigerian students,” he said, adding that NANS is prepared to take action if necessary.
Taiwo announced a 14-day ultimatum to the administrations of UNILAG, OSPOLY, and LAUTECH, demanding the reinstatement of student unions.
“We have exhausted the first two C’s of Aluta…we are left with the final C: Confrontation. If this demand is not met, the association will mobilize a massive protest to disrupt academic activities,” he warned, emphasizing the determination of NANS to protect students’ rights.
Responding to questions on the exclusion of private institution students from the NELFUND program, Taiwo insisted that all Nigerian students, regardless of their institution’s ownership, deserve access to the fund.
“Students of private institutions are also Nigerians and members of NANS…they have the right to seek government assistance,” he added.
