NANS threatens protest over LAUTECH student suspensions

The South‑West Zone leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to hold a protest on Monday over the suspension of several Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) students in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

The students were reportedly sanctioned after allegedly participating in a protest against the relocation of the Anatomy and Physiology departments from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences.

The announcement was made in a statement jointly signed by NANS Public Relations Officer Olugbemi Timothy, General Secretary Ojetola Babatunde, and Coordinator Adeyemo Josiah in Ibadan.

NANS described the disciplinary action as unfair, arguing that students who voiced concerns over a policy directly affecting their academic welfare should not be punished for expressing their grievances.

The student body said the suspensions send the wrong message and could deter students from legitimately engaging authorities on issues that impact their education and well‑being.

The association maintained that instead of addressing the concerns that sparked the protest, the university appeared to have taken a punitive approach.

Consequently, NANS South‑West said it would mobilise students for a peaceful demonstration at the institution on Monday, 8 June 2026, to demand a review of the suspensions.

“We received with deep concern the suspension letters issued to several students of LAUTECH over their alleged involvement in a peaceful protest concerning the relocation of the Anatomy and Physiology Departments from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences,” the statement read.

While stressing that it does not support any breakdown of law and order, the association insisted that students have a right to raise concerns about policies that significantly affect their academic activities and welfare.

NANS noted that available information indicated the protest was prompted by the sudden implementation of the relocation directive, which students believed would impact transportation, finances, academic schedules and their overall learning environment.

The association further revealed that representatives of NANS South‑West had earlier intervened during the dispute, engaging both students and university authorities to encourage dialogue and reduce tensions.

“It is disappointing that instead of resolving the issues raised by the students, the institution has chosen a course of action that appears punitive and capable of discouraging genuine expression of grievances,” the statement added.

The student body also expressed concern that the latest development comes amid the continued suspension of the Students’ Union Government at LAUTECH, describing the situation as worrisome.

NANS said it would continue to advocate for dialogue and fair treatment of students while pushing for a more inclusive approach to resolving disputes within the institution.