By NANS
In the wake of a planned protest by some leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, student leaders have issued an advisory urging their fellow students to stay away from campus on the designated protest day. The advice comes amid concerns that the protest may disrupt the peace on campus unnecessarily.
Comrades Adeogun Moshood Feyisetan, the President of the Student Union Government (SUG) for the 2022 session, and Sogunro Israel Olutunmise, the Public Relations Officer for the same session, jointly addressed the issue. They highlighted that, based on available information, there appeared to be no legitimate reason for the planned protest, especially since preparations for the upcoming student union elections were progressing smoothly.
The Advisory
NANS
In their statement released on a Sunday evening, the student leaders expressed their concern about the planned protest by certain NANS members, which was scheduled to take place on Monday, September 18, 2023. They emphasized that the Olabisi Onabanjo University Students Union was neither aware of nor part of the proposed protest.
The statement explained the ongoing preparations for the student union elections and the absence of any significant issues or complaints from aspirants during the process. The main campus and annexes had remained peaceful, with no notable disruptions or problems. The motives behind the planned protest were unclear, raising suspicions of a staged plan to disrupt the existing peace on campus and ongoing activities.
Ensuring Safety
NANS
To ensure the safety and well-being of the student body, the student leaders advised the entire student community to stay away from the campus on the designated protest day. They reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the interests of the students and maintaining orderliness and safety.
The student union leaders, in collaboration with security agencies, assured that they would be present on campus during the protest to monitor the situation. They urged students to remain calm and coordinated, emphasizing that there was no cause for alarm. The message to the students was clear: the student union was there for them and dedicated to preserving their interests.
A Call for Caution
NANS
This advisory from the OOU student leaders highlights the importance of cautious and responsible actions in the face of potential disruptions. The student leaders’ commitment to the safety and well-being of their peers is commendable, as is their call for unity and calmness.
In the increasingly dynamic landscape of student activism and protests, it is crucial for student leaders to balance the right to protest with the need for a peaceful and conducive learning environment. This situation underscores the importance of open and constructive dialogue between student bodies and their representatives to address any concerns or grievances.
In conclusion, while protests can be a powerful means of expressing dissatisfaction or advocating for change, it is equally vital to exercise prudence and restraint to prevent unnecessary disruptions. The OOU student leaders’ advisory serves as a reminder that safeguarding the interests of the student community should always be a top priority.
