The South-West Zone D leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticised the suspension of several students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, describing the disciplinary action as unfair and excessive.
The affected students were sanctioned over their alleged participation in a peaceful protest against the relocation of the Anatomy and Physiology departments from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences.
In a statement issued on Sunday and jointly signed by the zone’s Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah, General Secretary, Ojetola Babatunde, and Public Relations Officer, Olugbemi Timothy, NANS argued that students should not be punished for expressing concerns over decisions that directly impact their education and welfare.
The association maintained that while it does not support actions capable of disrupting public order, the university should have engaged the students through dialogue rather than imposing disciplinary measures.
According to NANS, the relocation policy has significant implications for students, including transportation challenges, additional financial burdens, and disruptions to their academic activities. It noted that during the protest, its representatives intervened to encourage discussions between the students and university management in an effort to reduce tensions.
The student body expressed disappointment that instead of addressing the issues raised, the institution allegedly adopted measures that could discourage students from voicing legitimate grievances.
NANS also linked the situation to the prolonged suspension of LAUTECH’s Students’ Union Government, stating that the absence of an active union has deprived students of a formal platform to communicate their concerns and has widened the gap between the university management and the student community.
Describing the four-semester suspension handed to the affected students as disproportionate and inconsistent with the principles of fair hearing and restorative justice, the association demanded an immediate review and reversal of the sanctions.
It also called for open dialogue between the university authorities and the affected students, a clear timetable for the restoration of the Students’ Union Government, and an end to what it described as intimidation and victimisation of students exercising their rights.
To press its demands, NANS announced that it would lead a peaceful protest and delegation to the LAUTECH campus on Monday, June 8, 2026, where it intends to engage the university management and other stakeholders.
The association expressed hope that the institution would choose dialogue over sanctions, insisting that the welfare, rights, and dignity of Nigerian students remain non-negotiable.