The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has opened discussions with the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Fasina, following the suspension of the institution's Students' Union Government (SUG) President, James Adio.
NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, disclosed the development in a statement on Friday, stating that the association had intervened after expressing strong reservations over the suspension of the student leader.
According to Babatunde, he held extensive discussions with the Vice-Chancellor to seek an amicable resolution to the matter and to convey the position of the national student body regarding the disciplinary action taken against Adio.
The NANS leader described the suspension as unjust and maintained that the association would continue to defend the rights and welfare of Nigerian students.
"Following our earlier condemnation of the suspension, I had an extensive discussion with the FUOYE Vice-Chancellor and expressed our dissatisfaction with the development," Babatunde said.
He added that the Vice-Chancellor provided explanations regarding the circumstances that led to the suspension, after which NANS appealed for a peaceful and mutually acceptable resolution.
According to him, Prof. Fasina assured the student body that the matter would receive further consideration and that efforts were underway to achieve a progressive resolution at the university's next Senate meeting.
Babatunde also revealed that the Vice-Chancellor ordered an investigation into the alleged disclosure of the suspended student's private information, assuring that anyone found culpable would be held accountable.
The NANS President commended the Vice-Chancellor for his willingness to engage with stakeholders and reiterated the association's commitment to protecting students from intimidation and unfair treatment.
The controversy stems from the recent suspension of Adio and two university officials over allegations relating to the unauthorized collection of levies from students.
FUOYE management had earlier stated that the suspension was part of ongoing investigations into allegations involving the collection and handling of funds from students, insisting that the measure was necessary to ensure transparency and accountability.
The development has generated mixed reactions within the university community, with some students calling for the immediate reinstatement of the SUG president, while others have urged the institution to allow the investigative process to run its course.
Observers say the outcome of the engagement between NANS and the university management could play a significant role in resolving the dispute and restoring calm within the institution.
