The Nigerian Students Alliance (NSA) has strongly condemned the unjust rustication of 37 students by Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), calling for their immediate reinstatement. The affected students were recently rusticated by the university administration following allegations of misconduct related to a protest over academic and infrastructural challenges.
In a statement issued today, the NSA expressed its outrage over the actions taken by the university, describing the rustication as an excessive and draconian response that undermines the rights of students to peacefully express their grievances. The alliance called for a thorough review of the case, asserting that the students’ actions were in line with their rights to advocate for a better academic environment and improved facilities on campus.
“We find the decision to rusticate 37 students utterly unacceptable and a direct violation of students' rights to free expression and peaceful assembly,” said Olumide Adedayo, National President of the Nigerian Students Alliance. “Rather than listening to the legitimate concerns of the students, the university administration has chosen to punish them for standing up for their future and their education.”
The NSA further condemned the lack of proper dialogue between the university management and the student body, which could have resolved the issues peacefully without resorting to punitive measures. The students’ protest, according to the alliance, was a legitimate and peaceful demand for better learning conditions, including more adequate infrastructure, uninterrupted academic calendars, and improved welfare provisions.
The Nigerian Students Alliance is calling on the federal government, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the academic community at large to intervene in the matter and ensure that the rusticated students are immediately reinstated. The NSA emphasized that the rustication of these students is a grave injustice that could have long-term repercussions on the education and future of Nigerian youth.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of the 37 students,” Adedayo continued. “We also call on the university authorities to engage in constructive dialogue with the students to address the underlying issues that led to the protest. This is not just a fight for these students but a broader call for all Nigerian students to be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity.”
The NSA vows to continue mobilizing and advocating for the rights of Nigerian students, and will not rest until justice is served in this case. The organization has called on all student unions, youth organizations, and concerned stakeholders to join in the demand for the reinstatement of the affected students.