Osun poll: NANS demands student protection

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, has raised alarm over the security situation in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, demanding urgent measures to protect students and tertiary institutions from political violence.

The student body warned political actors and their supporters against turning campuses into battlegrounds or using students as tools for electoral conflicts, insisting that academic environments must remain free from intimidation and violence.

NANS said its concern followed what it described as increasing cases of political violence, shootings, intimidation and killings across parts of the state, adding that the development had created fear among students and threatened the smooth conduct of academic activities.

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In a statement jointly signed by the Coordinator of NANS South-West Zone D, Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, and the Secretary-General, Ojetola Babatunde Yussuf, the association said the current atmosphere no longer guaranteed the safety of students attending lectures or moving around their communities.

The association expressed concern over reports of gunshots around some communities hosting tertiary institutions, particularly at night, saying students should not be forced to live in fear because of political activities beyond their control.

NANS also criticised any attempt by politicians or their agents to involve students in electoral violence, warning that Nigerian students should be allowed to participate in democracy peacefully without being used as instruments for political interests.

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The student organisation demanded a clear security plan for campuses, student residences, host communities and major transportation routes ahead of the election, urging security agencies to take proactive measures rather than waiting for violence to occur.

NANS threatened to shut down academic activities across tertiary institutions in Osun State if authorities fail to guarantee the safety of students, saying it would not allow students to become victims of political clashes.

The association directed students to prioritise their safety and remain vigilant while calling on government authorities, security agencies and political leaders to work together to maintain peace before, during and after the election.

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The warning comes as political activities intensify ahead of the Osun governorship election, with parties and candidates campaigning across the state amid growing concerns over security and electoral conduct.

Security concerns have remained a major issue in the build-up to the poll, with stakeholders calling for peaceful campaigns, credible elections and adequate protection of voters and residents.

NANS maintained that the future of Nigerian students must not be sacrificed for political contests, urging all stakeholders to place peace and safety above personal or party interests.

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