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The Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-Liberal Attacks (ANSA) has vehemently condemned the management of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), over the rustication of 37 students. The university took this action, alleging the students’ involvement in “criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, and cyberstalking” due to their participation in a WhatsApp group created to protest the introduction of a third semester.

ANSA’s National Coordinator, Joshua Temitope Oladepo, strongly criticised the university’s decision, calling it “tyrannical, draconian, and undemocratic.” He emphasised that students should not be punished for exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly, stating, “No student must be made to suffer for exercising their fundamental rights, as guaranteed by Section 40 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.”

“The university’s action is a clear violation of students’ rights and an attempt to silence their voices. We will not stand by and watch as the management tramples on the democratic rights of students,” Oladepo said.

The group demanded the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of the affected students, as well as the release of those allegedly arrested for protesting against the university’s policies. ANSA warned that the use of security agencies to intimidate students must cease.

“We demand that the university management reverses its decision and reinstates the affected students. We also demand the release of students who were arrested for exercising their rights. The use of security agencies to intimidate students is unacceptable and must stop,” Oladepo stated.

Furthermore, ANSA accused NSUK management of suppressing students’ voices and undermining democratic principles. The group stated, “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 university management is trying to create a culture of fear and silence among students. But we will not be intimidated. We will continue to speak out against injustice and fight for our rights,” Oladepo declared.

ANSA also outlined several demands, including:

– _Right to Free Election_: The right for students to freely elect their representatives without intimidation.

– _Reversal of Tuition Fee Increases_: A reversal of arbitrary tuition fee increases, which the group sees as an attempt to deny access to education.

– _End to Student Arrests and Intimidation_: An end to student arrests and intimidation, with the insistence that no one should be treated as a criminal for demanding their rights.

– _Restoration of Freedom of Association and Assembly_: Restoration of freedom of association and peaceful assembly, rejecting restrictions on social gatherings.

– _Immediate Resolution of Power Supply Issues_: Immediate resolution of power supply issues on campus, as students deserve a livable environment.

“We will not rest until our demands are met. We will mobilize students across the country to join us in this fight for justice and democracy,” Oladepo warned.

ANSA warned that if its demands are not met urgently, it would mobilize students nationwide for mass resistance beyond the walls of NSUK. The group declared, “If the management continues on this dangerous path, they will face the united resistance of Nigerian students, and justice will be served.

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