The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, has announced plans to stage a peaceful protest at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, on Monday over the suspension of several students accused of participating in a demonstration against the relocation of academic departments within the institution.
The student body described the disciplinary action as excessive and unjust, warning that it could deepen tensions between students and the university management.
The controversy stems from a recent decision to relocate the Anatomy and Physiology Departments from LAUTECH’s College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences. Students opposed to the move reportedly staged a protest, arguing that the decision would negatively affect their academic activities, transportation arrangements, finances and general welfare.
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In a statement jointly signed by NANS South-West Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah, General Secretary, Ojetola Babatunde, and Public Relations Officer, Olugbemi Timothy, the association expressed concern over reports that some students were handed lengthy suspensions following the protest.
According to NANS, while it does not support violence or the breakdown of law and order, students should not be punished for peacefully expressing concerns over policies that directly impact their education.
“We received with deep concern the suspension letters issued to several students of LAUTECH over their alleged involvement in a peaceful protest concerning the relocation of the Anatomy and Physiology Departments,” the association stated.
NANS disclosed that its representatives had previously engaged both students and university officials during the dispute in an effort to promote dialogue and prevent escalation.
The association argued that the decision to suspend students, reportedly for up to four semesters, appeared punitive and inconsistent with the principles of fair hearing and democratic engagement expected within academic institutions.
Student leaders further linked the dispute to the prolonged absence of a functioning Students’ Union Government in the institution.
According to NANS, the continued suspension of student union activities has left students without a formal platform to communicate grievances and engage university authorities on critical issues affecting campus life.
The association maintained that the absence of the SUG has widened communication gaps between students and management, creating conditions that often lead to avoidable conflicts.
As part of its demands, NANS called for the immediate review and reversal of the suspensions, direct engagement between university authorities and affected students, and a clear roadmap for restoring student unionism on campus.
The group also urged the institution to end actions capable of intimidating students or discouraging lawful representation.
To press home its demands, NANS said it would lead a delegation of student leaders to the university on Monday for what it described as a peaceful intervention and protest.
The development has generated discussions among students and stakeholders in the education sector, with many calling for dialogue rather than sanctions.
The dispute comes at a time when universities across Nigeria continue to face growing demands for improved student participation in decision-making processes. Education advocates have repeatedly argued that stronger communication channels between management and students remain essential for maintaining stability within tertiary institutions.
As of the time of filing this report, LAUTECH management had not publicly responded to NANS’ latest threat of protest.
