The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has threatened to shut down academic activities across tertiary institutions in Osun over alleged rising political violence ahead of the state’s governorship election.

This is contained in a statement jointly signed by its Southwest Zone D Coordinator, Mr Josiah Adeyemo; Secretary-General, Mr Babatunde Ojetola, and Public Relations Officer, Mr Tope Olugbemi, in Ibadan on Monday.

The association said the planned strike was intended to protect students from the growing insecurity allegedly linked to the electioneering process.

NANS said students would be directed to return home, if the situation failed to improve.

According to it, reports of alleged shootings, intimidation and politically related killings in parts of the state have created fear among students, particularly those residing on and off campuses.

The association said the alleged security situation no longer guaranteed a conducive environment for learning.

It expressed concern over what it described as the absence of comprehensive security measures in protecting campuses, student hostels, host communities and major transportation routes during the election period.

“Nigerian students cannot be expected to continue attending lectures when violence is gradually becoming normalised.

“Innocent residents are being caught in conflicts they neither created nor participated in,” the union said.

NANS also alleged that some political actors were mobilising students for voter registration and other election-related activities.

While affirming that students had the constitutional right to participate in the democratic process, the association cautioned against the exploitation of students for political purposes.

It advised students not to surrender sensitive personal information to unidentified individuals or board unmarked vehicles operated by unknown persons.

The association urged students to vote according to their conscience, competence and candidates’ commitment to education, rather than inducement or intimidation.

NANS said all its structures, including Joint Campus Council officials; Students’ Union Governments and other stakeholders had been placed on notice.

It said the members were placed on notice to prepare for what it described as a total and peaceful shutdown of academic activities across tertiary institutions in the state.

It, however, said the date, duration and operational details of the planned strike would be communicated through recognised NANS and Students’ Union channels.

The association, however, stressed that the proposed shutdown was neither politically sponsored nor aimed at supporting or opposing any political party or candidate.

It warned political parties and their supporters against turning campuses into centres for political violence or recruitment for thuggery.

“We shall document and publicly expose any political organisation found exploiting, threatening, manipulating or endangering students,” it said.

NANS also urged students to avoid violent gatherings, refrain from carrying weapons and resist involvement in political violence.

The association called on the Osun Government and other election stakeholders to take urgent steps to restore confidence and guarantee the safety of students.

It said that, until credible security assurances were provided and student leaders engaged, its position remained “No security, no academic activities”. (NAN)

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