Growing concerns over Osun election insecurity have prompted the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, to threaten a shutdown of academic activities across tertiary institutions in the state ahead of the August governorship election.

The student body warned that worsening political violence, reported shootings, intimidation and killings have created an unsafe environment for students, stressing that it would not allow them to become “sacrificial lambs” during the election period.

NANS said students should prepare to return to their homes if the security situation does not improve, adding that the move is intended to protect lives rather than advance any political interest.

EFCC Denies Investigating Immigration CG Kemi Nandap Over Alleged Visa Racketeering

Osun Election Insecurity Raises Fresh Concerns for Students

In a statement jointly signed by the Coordinator of NANS South-West Zone D, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, and the Secretary-General, Comrade Ojetola Babatunde Yussuf, the association expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation across Osun State.

According to the student leaders, frequent reports of political violence and gunshots in communities surrounding several higher institutions have heightened fears among students living both on and off campus.

They argued that the prevailing atmosphere no longer guarantees the safety of students or supports uninterrupted academic activities.

NANS also criticised the absence of a comprehensive security strategy to safeguard campuses, student hostels, surrounding communities and major transportation routes during the governorship election.

The association warned that students should not be expected to continue normal academic activities while insecurity continues to escalate.

“Students cannot be expected to continue attending lectures and moving around freely when violence is gradually becoming normalised and innocent residents are being caught in conflicts they neither created nor participated in,” the statement said.

NANS Warns Against Political Exploitation of Students

Beyond security concerns, NANS expressed worry over what it described as the increasing mobilisation of students by political parties and their agents for voter registration and other election-related activities.

While affirming that students have the constitutional right to register and vote, the association warned against any attempt to manipulate or exploit them for political gains.

According to the student body, political participation must remain voluntary, transparent and respectful of students’ rights and personal safety.

NANS advised students not to release sensitive personal information to unknown individuals or board unmarked vehicles operated by persons whose identities cannot be verified.

The association further urged students to vote based on competence, credibility, commitment to education and good governance rather than intimidation, financial inducements or political promises.

Students Directed to Prepare for Possible Academic Shutdown

NANS disclosed that all Joint Campus Council officials, Students’ Union Governments, student leaders and stakeholders across Osun State have been placed on alert to prepare for a possible suspension of academic activities.

The association also directed students to begin making arrangements to return home if the security situation continues to deteriorate.

However, it noted that the specific date, duration and operational details of the proposed shutdown would be communicated through officially recognised NANS and Students’ Union channels.

According to the statement, the planned action is strictly a safety measure and should not be interpreted as support for or opposition to any political party or candidate.

The student body maintained that protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerian students remains its primary responsibility.

NANS added that it would rather suspend academic activities temporarily than issue condolence messages after preventable attacks on students.

The association also indicated that it would engage relevant authorities once there is a clear commitment to addressing its security concerns and ensuring adequate protection for students across Osun State during the election period.