NANS threatens Nationwide protest over alleged student intimidation in Ogun

By Isaac Joseph Inyang

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a stern warning of mass protest following what it described as ongoing intimidation and targeted harassment of student leaders in Ogun State, particularly the recent arrest of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Adegboye Emmanuel Olatunji.

Olatunji was arrested on allegations of cultism, a charge that has ignited outrage within the student community. While police authorities have yet to offer detailed clarification, NANS maintains that the arrest is an act of retaliation for Olatunji’s outspoken criticism of the institution’s management practices and financial operations.

At a press briefing in Abeokuta on Sunday, July 28, 2025, NANS Vice President, Ojo Raymond, described the development as a coordinated attempt to silence student leaders who speak truth to power.He disclosed that a national fact-finding committee had investigated the matter and found evidence of what the association believes is deliberate victimisation.

Raymond revealed that the NANS National executive council has since instructed all SUG chapters nationwide to mobilise in preparation for a National day of action, which is expected to commence in Ogun State. According to him, the protest would be sustained until Olatunji is reinstated and all forms of repression against student union leaders are brought to an end.

This is not the first time Olatunji has faced such allegations. In 2020, he was similarly arrested and suspended under cultism accusations that were eventually dropped. At the time, NANS staged protests and negotiations before his reinstatement. The current episode, the association argues, is a troubling repetition that undermines students’ rights to leadership and civic expression.

As of press time, both the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro and the Ogun State Police Command have yet to issue formal statements addressing the new round of allegations or the proposed protest action.

NANS, however, insists that it will not be deterred, warning that should the demands for justice and reinstatement go unheeded, its members would be left with no choice but to take to the streets in peaceful protest. The unfolding situation has drawn attention from education stakeholders and human rights observers, who are monitoring closely how state authorities and the institution’s leadership respond.