NANS threatens to shut down FUOYE over suspension of SUG president

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

NANS said it does not condone extortion, abuse of office, financial misconduct, or any act that exploits students. But Coordinator Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode said allegations against elected leaders must be handled with transparency, fairness and due process.

–Due process, not hasty action–

In a statement, Kayode argued that issues of financial misconduct should go through established internal student parliamentary procedures, including the Students’ Representative Council where applicable. He cautioned against suspensions that could be perceived as hasty, intimidating or politically motivated.

He linked his concern to the public record of Vice Chancellor Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, noting that during his tenure at Bowen University in 2020, the institution reportedly reduced staff strength by at least 100 under “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,” Kayode said.

NANS said it is not opposed to investigations but insisted punishment must not precede 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,” he added.

—Demands and planned protest–

The student body demanded reversal or suspension of the disciplinary action within 48 hours pending a transparent investigation. It also called for an investigative committee with student representation, public disclosure of the procedural basis for the suspension, guarantees against victimisation, and engagement with NANS Ekiti Joint Campus Committee and NANS Southwest leadership.

UI law student, seven others kidnapped while returning from Imo conference

NANS Southwest announced it would visit FUOYE 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,” Kayode said.

“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.”