NANS Knocks UNIPORT VC Over Dissolution of Students’ Union

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has faulted the decision of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) to dissolve the institution’s Students’ Union Government (SUG), describing the move as a violation of democratic principles and due process.

In a press statement on Sunday signed by its National President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, NANS expressed concern over a memorandum issued by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs announcing the immediate dissolution of the Students’ Union, Hall Representatives, and all other students’ union activities.

While acknowledging the university management’s right to investigate allegations of misconduct and ensure accountability among elected student leaders, NANS insisted that the blanket dissolution of the Students’ Union Government without due process, transparency, and fair hearing was unacceptable.

According to the association, the Students’ Union is a democratic institution established to represent the interests and welfare of students, and its elected officials cannot be removed through an administrative directive without clearly stating the allegations against them, conducting a proper investigation, and giving them the opportunity to defend themselves.

NANS also questioned the fairness of the process, noting that the affected union officials were directed to immediately hand over union properties, official documents, and financial records while simultaneously being asked to appear before an investigative panel when invited.

The student body warned that it would not remain silent while the democratic rights of Nigerian students were undermined through what it described as administrative fiat.

ALSO READ: Anambra Reclaims Intellectual Heritage As Governor Soludo Unveils Achebe Monument

The association called on the University of Port Harcourt management to immediately suspend the implementation of the dissolution order, respect the mandate of the elected Students’ Union officials, publicly disclose the allegations that informed the action, constitute a transparent and impartial investigative panel, guarantee the affected officials a fair hearing, and refrain from intimidating or victimising student leaders.

NANS maintained that it is not opposed to accountability, stressing that any student leader found guilty of financial misconduct or other offences should be sanctioned in line with due process. However, it warned that accountability should not be used as a tool to dismantle students’ democratic institutions or silence legitimate representation.

Describing dialogue, transparency, and due process as the appropriate means of resolving disputes between university authorities and student leaders, NANS disclosed that it is engaging relevant stakeholders and would pursue all lawful measures to protect the rights, welfare, and democratic institutions of students at the University of Port Harcourt.

The association concluded by demanding the immediate reversal of the dissolution order pending the outcome of a transparent and fair investigation.