The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, has condemned the suspension of some students of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, over their alleged involvement in a protest.

The association described the sanctions imposed in response to a protest over the relocation of academic departments as excessive.

It vowed to visit the institution on Monday, June 8, 2026, to engage the university management and other stakeholders on the matter.

This is contained in a statement jointly issued on Friday in Ibadan by its public relations officer, Timothy Olugbemi; general secretary, Babatunde Ojetola; and coordinator, Josiah Adeyemo.

The association said the students were suspended following a peaceful protest over the relocation of the anatomy and physiology departments from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences.

According to the association, the relocation has significant implications for the students’ academic activities, transportation, finances and general welfare.

NANS stated that while it did not support any breakdown of law and order, students who raised legitimate concerns about policies affecting their welfare should not be subjected to punitive measures.

The association said its representatives had earlier engaged both the students and university management in efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalate tensions during the protest.

It, however, expressed disappointment that the institution opted for disciplinary action rather than addressing the issues that led to the protest.

It also linked the development to the prolonged suspension of the students’ union government in the university.

The association said that the absence of a functional students’ representative structure had widened the communication gap between management and students.

“NANS South-West considers the suspension of the affected students for four semesters excessive, disproportionate and inconsistent with the principles of fair hearing, restorative justice and democratic engagement within academic communities,” it said.

The association called for the immediate review and reversal of the suspension, open dialogue between the university management and the affected students, and a clear roadmap for the restoration of student unionism in the institution.

It also urged the university authorities to end all forms of victimisation and intimidation that could suppress students’ rights to lawful representation and engagement.

NANS expressed hope that the management of LAUTECH would embrace dialogue and demonstrate commitment to justice, academic excellence and responsible administration.

“The welfare, rights and dignity of Nigerian students shall remain non-negotiable,” it stated. 

(NAN)