The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has called for the temporary closure of all tertiary institutions in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, citing growing security concerns and fears that students could become victims of political violence.
The student body also issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Osun State Government, security agencies and the management of tertiary institutions in the state to meet with student leaders and agree on practical measures to guarantee the safety of students before and during the election.
NANS said the appeal was not politically motivated but was driven by its responsibility to protect the lives and welfare of students studying in Osun State.
The call was made on Friday in Osogbo by the Coordinator of NANS Southwest Zone D, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah, while addressing journalists.
According to him, the decision followed consultations with recognised student leaders, Students’ Union Governments (SUGs) and other stakeholders across tertiary institutions in the state.
Josiah said reports received from student leaders pointed to rising political tension in several communities where students reside, raising concerns about their safety as the governorship election approaches.
He explained that many students live off campus in communities that could become flashpoints if political violence breaks out before, during or after the election.
“We reached this decision after receiving reports from Students’ Union Governments, campus leaders and other stakeholders about rising political tension in communities where many students live,” he said.
The student leader stressed that students should not become victims of political conflicts simply because they are pursuing higher education in the state.
“Our lives matter,” he declared, adding that every effort must be made to protect students from avoidable harm.
According to him, the association believes that no academic activity is more valuable than the life of any student.
He said while lectures, examinations and academic calendars can be adjusted, lives lost to violence cannot be restored.
“Academic calendars can be adjusted, lectures rescheduled and examinations postponed, but no academic activity is more important than the life of a student,” he said.
“It is better to take preventive measures now than to mourn avoidable deaths later.”
Josiah highlighted that the recommendation for the temporary closure of campuses was not intended to interfere with the powers of the Osun State Government or the authorities of higher institutions.
Instead, he said it was a preventive measure aimed at reducing the exposure of students to possible violence during the election period.
He also stressed that NANS was open to dialogue and preferred peaceful engagement with relevant authorities rather than confrontation.
“We believe dialogue is the most responsible way to address this issue, but it must lead to concrete action that guarantees the safety of students,” he said.
The association therefore gave the state government, security agencies and heads of tertiary institutions seven days to begin discussions with student representatives on security arrangements for the election.
According to Josiah, the meeting should produce practical steps that will assure students and their parents that adequate measures are in place to protect lives and property.
He warned that if no meaningful engagement takes place within the seven-day period, the association would be compelled to take further action.
“Should there be no meaningful engagement or satisfactory response within this period, NANS Southwest Zone D, in consultation with recognised student leadership across Osun State, shall announce and commence lawful, peaceful and democratic actions considered necessary to protect the lives, welfare and constitutional rights of Nigerian students,” he said.
Although the association did not specify the exact nature of the planned actions, it insisted that any response would be peaceful and in line with the law.
The call comes amid heightened political activities in Osun State as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Governorship elections in Nigeria are often accompanied by increased political rallies, movement of supporters and heightened security, especially in states where electoral contests are expected to be closely fought.
While many elections are conducted peacefully, there have been instances in the past where clashes between rival political supporters have resulted in injuries, loss of lives and destruction of property.
Student groups have on several occasions expressed concern that young people, particularly those living off campus, are often exposed to security risks during periods of political unrest.
Osun State is home to several tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, with thousands of students living both on campus and in surrounding communities.
Many of these students travel daily between their residences and campuses, making them vulnerable if violence erupts along major roads or in residential areas.
Security agencies have repeatedly assured residents that adequate arrangements are being made to ensure a peaceful election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also continued preparations for the poll, while political parties have urged their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully.
The latest appeal by NANS adds the voices of students to growing calls for peaceful conduct before, during and after the election.
Education stakeholders have often argued that disruptions caused by insecurity not only affect academic activities but also place additional financial and emotional burdens on students and their families.
For now, NANS says its priority is the safety of students and has urged all parties involved to treat the matter with urgency.
The association maintained that protecting lives must remain the highest priority and expressed hope that dialogue with the government, security agencies and school authorities would produce practical solutions before the governorship election.
As the seven-day ultimatum begins to count down, attention will now be on the response of the Osun State Government, tertiary institution authorities and security agencies to the concerns raised by the student body.