NANS Set For Showdown Against OOU , Fixes Sept 26 For Mass Protest
By Aremu Sosanya
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS has vowed to embark on a protest to the Ogun State governor’s office Oke Mosan, Abeokuta over an alleged anti Student Union activities of the management of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU).
In a statement signed by Executives of the Association, the students body said the protest was in light of recent developments and the failure of the school management to uphold their end of the agreement reached after two days of peaceful protest on the OOU Ago Iwoye campus,
“NANS has decided to take further steps, in demand for equality and social justice.
“The root cause of this decision lies in the obvious, biased interference in the Student Union by Prof Agboola the OOU VC , which has been a cause for concern among the students of OOU. NANS recognizes that the rights and voices of students must be protected and respected, especially in matters of governance and representation as supposed leaders of tomorrow
“Initially, following the two days protest, NANS had engaged in discussions with the Olabisi Onabanjo University Student Union (OOUSU) and the school management, in an attempt to address the grievances of the students. Unfortunately, despite the assurances and agreements reached during these discussions aimed at resolving all lingering crisis, the school management through the registrar working on the instructions of the OOU Vice Chancellor, has completely deviated from the agreement reached at the reconciliatory meeting.
“In light of this uncooperative stance from the school management, NANS sees no alternative but to take the protest to the doorstep of the Ogun State Governor as the chief executive officer of the state. It is a matter of utmost importance that the concerns of the students at OOU are heard and acted upon promptly.
“Therefore, NANS hereby declares Tuesday, September 26, 2023, as a day of protest at the Ogun State Governor’s Office. We call upon all Student bodies , Student Unions across Ogun State and beyond , Nigerian students, well-meaning citizens, civil society organizations, and the media to join us in this peaceful and lawful demonstration to demand justice, fairness, and accountability in the affairs of Olabisi Onabanjo University Students Union.
Our demands are clear and non-negotiable:
1. Upholding the peaceful resolutions reached with the management through the Dean Student Affairs and witnessed by the OOU CSO on the instruction of the OOU VC
2. A transparent and unbiased investigation into the manipulation of the Student Union electoral commission at OOU by the Vice-chancellor.
3. An assurance of a conducive academic environment that upholds students’ rights, safety, and well-being.
4. A commitment from the Ogun State Government to prioritize the quality of education and welfare of students across the state.
5. We call on the DSS to conduct discreet investigation on the interest of the OOU VC on the subject matter
6. We are not unaware of the allegations of extortion against the OOU VC , and calling on anti graft agencies to as a matter of urgency conduct necessary investigations into the financial misappropriation of funds since his inception into office .
NANS believes in the power of unity and the collective voice of Nigerian students. We stand firm in our resolve to protect the interests of students, and we will not relent until justice prevails.
