The Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-Liberal Attacks (ANSA) has strongly condemned the management of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, NSUK, over the rustication of 37 students, calling for their immediate and unconditional reinstatement.
It was reported that the university recently rusticated the students for one academic session, alleging their involvement in criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, and cyber-stalking over a WhatsApp group created to protest the introduction of a third semester.
In a statement issued on Monday, ANSA’s National Coordinator, Joshua Temitope Oladepo, described the university’s actions as “tyrannical, draconian, and undemocratic,” insisting that students should not be punished for exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
“No student must be made to suffer for exercising their fundamental rights, as guaranteed by Section 40 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution,” the group stated.
ANSA also demanded the release of students allegedly arrested for protesting against the university’s policies, warning that the use of security agencies to intimidate students must stop.
The students’ alliance accused NSUK management of suppressing students’ voices and undermining democratic principles.
“The university administration has embarked on a campaign of repression, silencing student voices, and trampling on fundamental rights.
“This is an assault on democracy, freedom, and education,” the statement read further.
The group further rejected what it called the “undue interference” of the university in student union activities, calling for, ”The right for students to freely elect their representatives without intimidation.
”A reversal of arbitrary tuition fee increases, which it described as an attempt to deny access to education.
”An end to student arrests and intimidation, insisting no one should be treated as a criminal for demanding their rights.
Restoration of freedom of association and peaceful assembly, rejecting restrictions on social gatherings.
Immediate resolution of power supply issues on campus, stating that students deserve a livable environment”.
ANSA warned that if its demands are not met urgently, it would mobilize students nationwide for mass resistance beyond the walls of NSUK.
“If the management continues on this dangerous path, they will face the united resistance of Nigerian students, and justice will be served,” the group declared.
