The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, on Sunday condemned the suspension of some students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, over their alleged involvement in a protest against the relocation of the Anatomy and Physiology Departments, describing the action as excessive and capable of stifling legitimate student expression.

The students’ body also threatened mass action, announcing plans to lead a peaceful protest at the institution on Monday, June 8, to demand the reversal of the suspensions and the restoration of dialogue between the university management and students.

In a statement issued and jointly signed by the Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah; General Secretary, Ojetola Babatunde; and Public Relations Officer, Olugbemi Timothy, NANS expressed concern over what it described as the punitive treatment meted out to students who raised concerns over a policy affecting their academic welfare.

The association said while it does not support the breakdown of law and order, it was disturbed that students who participated in a peaceful protest were being sanctioned instead of being engaged through constructive dialogue.

“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.

According to NANS, available information indicated that the affected students protested what they considered the abrupt implementation of the relocation directive, citing concerns over its implications for their academic activities, transportation costs, finances and overall welfare.

The association disclosed that representatives of NANS South-West had previously intervened during the protest, engaging both students and management in a bid to de-escalate tensions and encourage dialogue.

“It is disappointing that rather than addressing the underlying concerns that led to the protest, the institution has chosen a path that appears punitive and capable of intimidating students from expressing genuine grievances,” the association stated.

NANS also linked the development to the prolonged absence of a Students’ Union Government (SUG) in the institution, noting that students have remained without a recognised platform to formally channel their concerns to management.

“For years, assurances have been made regarding the restoration of student unionism in LAUTECH, yet students remain without a functioning representative structure. This has widened the communication gap between management and students and created avoidable tensions,” it added.

The students’ body described the reported four-semester suspension handed to the affected students as disproportionate and inconsistent with the principles of fair hearing, restorative justice and democratic engagement within academic institutions.

Consequently, NANS demanded the immediate review and reversal of the disciplinary action, an open dialogue between university authorities and the affected students, and a clear roadmap for the restoration of the Students’ Union Government.

The association further called for an end to what it termed victimisation and intimidation of students, insisting that lawful representation and engagement should not be suppressed.

To press home its demands, NANS announced plans to mobilise students and stakeholders for a peaceful protest at the university on Monday.

“To demonstrate our commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, NANS South-West shall be leading a delegation to LAUTECH on Monday, June 8, 2026, to engage the university management and relevant stakeholders on this matter,” the statement added.

The association expressed hope that the university management would embrace dialogue and reconciliation rather than sanctions, stressing that the welfare, rights and dignity of Nigerian students remain non-negotiable.