NANS urges Kogi varsity to recall suspended students

The National Association of Nigerian Students has requested that the management of Confluence University of Science and Technology, located in Osara, Kogi State, reconsider the one-year suspension placed on four students due to a campus altercation, while not addressing the expulsion of two other students for alleged homosexual conduct.

The university took the action of expelling two students and rusticating four others for one academic year after its Students’ Disciplinary Committee determined their involvement in separate violations.

Although NANS denounced violence and all types of misconduct within educational institutions, its appeal was exclusively directed at the four suspended students, urging the university to implement a more empathetic strategy that would not irreparably hinder their educational pursuits.

In a statement released on Monday and signed by its National Treasurer, Asmawu Idris, the association emphasized that disciplinary actions should not only be lawful and appropriate but should also take into account the long-term consequences for the students' futures.

“The National Association of Nigerian Students has taken note of the disciplinary action reportedly taken by the management of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, against students alleged to have been involved in a fight on campus.

“While NANS unequivocally condemns violence, fighting and every form of misconduct within our institutions of learning, we firmly believe that disciplinary measures should not only be lawful and proportionate but should also take into account the long-term impact such decisions may have on the future of the affected students,” the statement read.

The association expressed particular concern that some of the affected students were female and reportedly first-time offenders.

“We are particularly concerned by reports that some female students have been handed a one-year suspension.

“Without seeking to excuse acts of indiscipline or undermine the authority of the university, we respectfully appeal to the management to temper justice with mercy by considering alternative disciplinary measures that will serve the objectives of correction and deterrence without causing undue disruption to the academic pursuits and future aspirations of the students, especially as they are reportedly first-time offenders,” NANS stated.

The student body also offered to engage with the university in pursuit of what it described as a fair, balanced and compassionate resolution.

“NANS stands ready to engage constructively with the university management to better understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and to advocate for a fair, balanced and compassionate resolution.

“Our intervention is guided solely by our commitment to the welfare of Nigerian students and our belief that discipline should always be accompanied by fairness, equity and the opportunity for rehabilitation,” the statement added.

The association further urged the university authorities to reconsider the disciplinary action and encouraged students to remain peaceful and respect the institution’s internal processes.

“We therefore call on the university authorities to kindly review the decision in the spirit of justice and compassion.

Favor Akowe from the Microbiology Department, Simbiat Babamuharuna from the Biology Department, Zainab Omayoza from the Biochemistry Department, and Sukura Bukola from the Biochemistry Department have also been rusticated for one academic session due to their involvement in a fight.

The university stated that these disciplinary measures were sanctioned by the Senate based on the recommendations of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee and were implemented in accordance with the provisions outlined in the amended 2025 Students’ Handbook.

The institution reaffirmed its dedication to upholding discipline, order, and a supportive environment for both teaching and learning, cautioning that it will persist in taking firm actions against students who are found to have breached its rules and regulations.