The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has threatened to shut down the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) over the suspension of the institution’s Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Comrade James Iyanuoluwa Adio, and other student leaders.

The student body warned that while it does not condone extortion, abuse of office, financial misconduct, or any act capable of exploiting students, allegations against elected student leaders must be handled with transparency, fairness, and due process.

In a statement, the Coordinator of NANS Southwest Zone D, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, said issues relating to financial misconduct should be subjected to established internal student parliamentary procedures, including the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), where applicable.

He cautioned against the suspension of elected student leaders in a manner that could be perceived as hasty, intimidating, or politically motivated.

“Our concern is further strengthened by the public record of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole. During his tenure as Vice Chancellor of Bowen University, the institution reportedly reduced its staff strength by not less than 100 in 2020 under what was described as restructuring and right-sizing.

“Today, shortly after his return to FUOYE as Vice Chancellor, we are again witnessing disciplinary actions affecting both staff and student leadership. This raises legitimate concerns about whether reform is being pursued through consultation and justice, or through fear and administrative force,” he said.

Kayode stressed that NANS was not opposed to investigations into allegations levelled against the suspended officials but insisted that punishment should not precede due process.

“We are not saying the allegations should be ignored. We are saying that punishment must not come before a transparent process. If there are claims of unauthorised collections, let there be a properly constituted investigative committee with representatives of management, student affairs, student parliament, security or legal observers, and relevant student stakeholders.

“Let every accused person be given a fair hearing. Let the evidence be presented clearly. Let justice be seen to be done,” he added.

NANS Southwest subsequently issued a series of demands to the university management, including the reversal or suspension of the disciplinary action within 48 hours pending the outcome of a transparent investigation.

The association also called for the establishment of an investigative committee with student representation, public disclosure of the procedural basis for the suspension, guarantees against victimisation of students involved in the matter, and engagement with NANS Ekiti Joint Campus Committee (JCC) and NANS Southwest leadership.

The student body further announced plans to visit the university on Monday to engage stakeholders and assess the situation.

“We also notify the management that NANS Southwest shall be at the gate of Federal University Oye-Ekiti on Monday to make proper findings, engage relevant stakeholders and speak against any leadership style that intimidates the student community.

“Let it be clear that NANS Southwest stands for accountability, but accountability must never be used as a cover for victimisation. We stand for discipline, but discipline must follow due process. We stand for reform, but reform must not destroy the confidence of students in their union structure,” the statement added. (The Guardian News)