NANS slams UNIPORT over students’ union dissolution, insists on due process

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has condemned the decision by the University of Port Harcourt to dissolve its Students’ Union Government, SUG, describing the action as a violation of students’ democratic rights and calling for its immediate reversal.

In a statement signed by its National President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, at the weekend, NANS expressed concern over a memorandum issued by the university’s Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, announcing the dissolution of the Students’ Union, Hall Representatives, and all other students’ union activities with immediate effect.

While acknowledging the university management’s authority to investigate allegations of misconduct involving elected student leaders, NANS argued that dissolving the Students’ Union without due process, transparency, or a fair hearing was unacceptable.

“The Students’ Union is a democratically elected body established to represent the interests and welfare of students and should not be dissolved through an administrative directive without clearly stated allegations, a proper investigation, and an opportunity for the affected officials to defend themselves,” the student body said.

NANS also questioned aspects of the university’s directive, noting that the memorandum instructed union officials to immediately hand over union properties, documents, and financial records while also requiring them to appear before an investigative panel when invited.

The association said the development raised concerns about the transparency, fairness, and independence of the investigative process.

The student body urged the university management to suspend the implementation of the dissolution order, respect the mandate of the elected union officials, and publicly disclose the reasons behind the decision.

It also called for the establishment of an impartial investigative panel and demanded that the affected student leaders be guaranteed their right to a fair hearing.

“We urge the university to refrain from any form of intimidation, victimisation, or disciplinary action against student leaders for carrying out their representative duties,” NANS stated.

“We are not opposed to accountability. We maintain that any student leader found guilty of financial misconduct or any other offence should be sanctioned in line with due process,” the statement added.

It, however, argued that accountability should not be used to undermine students’ democratic institutions or suppress legitimate student representation.

Describing the University of Port Harcourt as a citadel of learning and democracy, NANS said disputes between the university management and the Students’ Union should be resolved through dialogue, investigation, and adherence to due process rather than the unilateral suspension of elected student bodies.

The association disclosed that it was engaging relevant stakeholders and would pursue all lawful measures to protect the rights, welfare, and democratic institutions of students at the university.

It reiterated its demand for the immediate reversal of the dissolution order pending the outcome of what it described as a transparent and fair investigation.