NANS Threatens Peaceful Protest Over SDU SUG Dissolution, Demands Dialogue

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone B, South-South, has called on the management of Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro, to engage students in constructive dialogue over the dissolution and transition of the institution’s 2025/2026 Students’ Union Government (SUG).

The call followed a fact-finding visit by the NANS Zone B leadership to the university after a memo issued by the Dean of Students’ Affairs announced the dissolution of the SUG as directed by the Vice Chancellor.

In a press release dated August 7, 2026, signed by the Coordinator of NANS Zone B, South-South, Comrade Victor Ogechukwu Anthony, the student body said its findings revealed concerns that required urgent attention in the interest of student welfare and democratic governance.

NANS alleged that the current SUG constitution was drafted without meaningful participation by students, describing the process as fundamentally flawed.

The association also said students had raised grievances over classroom conditions, hostel facilities, lecture arrangements and alleged financial extortion.

According to NANS, it received reports that some members of the outgoing SUG executive were allegedly threatened with a two-semester suspension if they refused to vacate office.

The student body further expressed concern over what it described as a recurring sequence in which the removal of SUG executives was followed by an increase in school fees.

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NANS, however, said it respected the authority of the university management but insisted that student democracy and due process should not be compromised.

It argued that the Dean of Students’ Affairs should facilitate the transition process rather than assume executive control of the Students’ Union.

The association proposed two options for a transparent transition.

The first is the constitution of an independent Electoral Committee by the outgoing SUG, with elections conducted at the beginning of the new academic session while incumbent leaders remain in office until a proper handover is concluded.

The second is for the most senior-ranking executive who remains a bona fide student to assume the office of President in an acting capacity pending the conclusion of the election process.

NANS also condemned alleged threats of academic sanctions against students for expressing legitimate concerns, describing such actions as unacceptable within an academic environment.

The association disclosed that the university management had committed to responding to the issues raised by Tuesday, August 11, 2026, saying it would await the response in good faith and remain open to peaceful engagement.

However, NANS warned that if the response failed to adequately address the issues, it would mobilise its members for peaceful protests simultaneously at the Government House, Asaba, and the Southern Delta University campus in Ozoro.

The association subsequently directed all student structures across Delta State to commence mobilisation for the proposed peaceful action, urging association heads to begin the process immediately.

NANS also called on student unions across Delta State and the South-South region to remain on alert for a possible solidarity mobilisation.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting students’ welfare, academic security and democratic representation, stressing that “Education is a right, not a privilege.”