The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone D has issued a strong warning to three major institutions—University of Lagos (UNILAG), Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY), and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)—demanding the reinstatement of their Students' Unions. Failure to comply within a 14-day timeframe, they cautioned, will prompt massive protests across these campuses and beyond.
In a press conference held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists Correspondents' Chapel in Osogbo, Mr. Owolewa Taiwo Sunday, the NANS Coordinator for Zone D, voiced concerns about the absence of unions, emphasizing that such a void undermines the rights of students to self-representation and limits their voice in institutional affairs. Flanked by other NANS executives, Sunday declared the association’s unwavering stance to mobilize mass protests if these institutions fail to act on the ultimatum.
According to Mr. Sunday, student unions are essential in defending the rights of Nigerian students, fostering a balanced relationship between students and academic management. He further explained that NANS is deeply concerned about the welfare of students and sees unionism as an indispensable tool for protecting and promoting student interests. The current lack of functional unions at these institutions, he said, silences students and restricts their ability to influence policies affecting their education and campus life.
In a passionate appeal, the NANS Coordinator urged institutions across the country to immediately reinstate any disbanded Students’ Unions. He highlighted the importance of union representation in voicing student concerns and safeguarding their rights in academic settings. Comrade Sunday called for urgent action to reverse this trend, asserting that “students’ unions are integral to the health and fairness of Nigeria’s educational institutions.”
In addition to demands for union reinstatement, Mr. Sunday took the opportunity to address the recent increases in tuition fees across Nigerian higher institutions, which he described as a severe economic burden on students and their families. He condemned these hikes as counterproductive and unjust, urging all institutions to reverse the increases immediately, as the financial impact on families is exacerbated by the country's current economic challenges.
“Education is a fundamental right,” he asserted, “and we will not tolerate actions that limit this right through exorbitant tuition increases.” The NANS Coordinator warned that any further fee hikes would face strong resistance from the Southwest Zone of NANS, as the association remains committed to ensuring affordable education for all students.
Mr. Sunday commended the Federal Government’s recent introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, which aim to provide affordable and eco-friendly transportation for students and citizens in the Southwest region. He noted that the initiative is a positive step towards easing the transportation challenges that students face daily. Additionally, NANS recognized the government’s efforts to support students through the Nel Fund, which offers financial assistance to students in need, regardless of their background.
In a direct message to institutions resisting student unionism, the NANS leadership issued a warning to those that persist in anti-union activities. “We commend institutions that support students’ unions, but for those that continue to oppress student representation, we will not stand by. We will confront these oppressive practices head-on,” Sunday declared.
Addressing the cases of UNILAG, OSPOLY, and LAUTECH specifically, Mr. Sunday remarked that the absence of active Students' Unions in these institutions is “a glaring affront to the rights and aspirations of Nigerian students.” He indicated that NANS Zone D, under his leadership, has exhausted all diplomatic avenues and now stands prepared to take a confrontational stance if the demands are not met.
The NANS leadership also called for calm in Oyo State, where recent NANS JCC elections have caused notable discord among student factions. Mr. Sunday reassured stakeholders that NANS is committed to finding a lasting resolution to the matter and restoring peace within the shortest possible time.
As the 14-day deadline looms, the NANS Zone D leadership remains resolute in its mission to defend the rights, welfare, and futures of Nigerian students. Mr. Sunday reaffirmed that the association’s commitment extends beyond union reinstatements to encompass affordable education and the creation of supportive environments where students are free to express themselves.
"Our commitment remains steadfast as we continue to prioritize the welfare, rights, and futures of Nigerian students," he concluded, reiterating NANS’ dedication to advocating for fair and inclusive policies across Nigeria’s educational institutions.
