The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has called for the temporary closure of tertiary institutions across Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, citing growing security concerns.

The association also issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Osun State Government, security agencies and heads of tertiary institutions to engage with student leaders on measures to ensure the safety of students during the election period.

Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Friday, the Coordinator of NANS Southwest Zone D, Adeyemo Josiah, said the decision followed consultations with Students’ Union Governments, campus leaders and other stakeholders across the state.

According to him, the association acted after receiving reports of rising political tension in communities where many students reside.

“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,” Josiah said.

He stressed that the association’s position was not politically motivated but aimed solely at protecting students from possible election-related violence.

Josiah argued that while academic activities could be rescheduled, the lives of students could not be replaced.

“Academic calendars can be adjusted, lectures rescheduled and examinations postponed, but no academic activity is more important than the life of a student. It is better to take preventive measures now than to mourn avoidable deaths later,” he said.

He added that dialogue remained the preferred approach but insisted that it must produce concrete measures to guarantee students’ safety.

The NANS coordinator warned that the association would embark on lawful and peaceful actions if no meaningful engagement or satisfactory response is received within seven days.

“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.

The call comes amid heightened political activities in Osun State as preparations continue for the August 15 governorship election.