NANS Demands reinstatement of UI students’ union and suspended student leaders

The Oyo state chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has demanded for the unconditional restoration of an independent students’ union at the University of Ibadan, and the reinstatement of Ojo Aderemi and other rusticated student leaders.

The body described the actions of the management as unacceptable and against the fundamental human rights of students and intellectual freedom.

In a press release, the Oyo state chairman of the body, Comrade Asubiojo Olujuwon, said the body remains the apex body of all students in the state and it is committed to fighting against injustice.

He said: “The National Association of Nigerian Students is the umbrella body of all students in the state and as such, it is our responsibility to not only condemn such acts but intervene where necessary to restore quality student representation to all institutions within the state and to seek relief to victimized student leaders”.

“We have attempted to dialogue with the Vice-Chancellor of the university, to no avail, [but] will continue to do so. However, we remain resolute in ensuring our demands are met. We call on all stakeholders, student leaders, concerned and interested students within and outside the university to join us in putting pressure on the University management through a public campaign that begins on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. Details will be communicated in subsequent releases.”

Last week, on the 12th of June (Democracy Day) the body staged a peaceful protest demanding the reinstatement of proscribed Students’ Unions on various campuses in the state.

The protest, which was led by the students’ body Chairman, Asubiojo Olujuwon, saw students carrying placards and banners with different inscriptions. Protesting students walked through the Adamasingba stadium and the Queen Elizabeth Road leading to the Secretariat of the Oyo State Government.

Other demands enlisted by the body include: a stay on the implementation of all anti-student policies made without proper consultation with student leaders (N6,500 technology fee and others), until a students’ union is restored, commitment from the university authorities to ensure effective student leadership and representation in the university and commitment from the university authorities to improve the welfare conditions of students on campus.