NANS Slams LAUTECH Over Student Suspensions, Plans Protest

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

 

The association described the disciplinary action as excessive and vowed to stage a peaceful protest at the institution on Monday, June 8, 2026.

 

In a statement jointly signed by its Public Relations Officer, Olugbemi Timothy, General Secretary, Ojetola Babatunde, and Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah, NANS said it was concerned that students who raised legitimate concerns about a policy affecting their academic welfare were being punished instead of being engaged through dialogue.

 

The students had protested the relocation of the Anatomy and Physiology Departments from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, a move they argued would affect their academic activities, transportation, finances and overall welfare.

 

According to NANS, its representatives had earlier intervened during the protest to encourage dialogue between the students and university management.

 

“It is disappointing that rather than addressing the underlying concerns that led to the protest, the institution has chosen a path that appears punitive and capable of intimidating students from expressing genuine grievances,” the association stated.

 

NANS also expressed concern over the continued suspension of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) in the institution, arguing that the absence of a functioning student representative body has widened the communication gap between management and students.

 

The association said repeated assurances about restoring student unionism in the university had yet to materialise.

 

It further described the reported four-semester suspension handed to the affected students as disproportionate and inconsistent with the principles of fair hearing, restorative justice and democratic engagement within academic institutions.

 

Among its demands, NANS called for the immediate review and reversal of the suspensions, open dialogue between the university management and affected students, and a clear roadmap for the restoration of the Students’ Union Government.

 

The association also demanded an end to what it described as victimisation and intimidation of students exercising their rights to lawful representation and engagement.

 

“To demonstrate our commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, NANS South-West shall be leading a delegation to LAUTECH on Monday, June 8, 2026, to engage the university management and relevant stakeholders on this matter,” the statement added.

 

NANS expressed hope that the university would embrace dialogue and pursue a resolution that promotes justice, academic excellence and responsible administration.