The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has voiced strong opposition to the University of Port Harcourt’s recent move to disband the Students’ Union Government (SUG). NANS labeled the university’s decision as an infringement upon the democratic rights of the student body and is pushing for the directive to be rescinded.
Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, the National President of NANS, issued a statement addressing a memorandum from the Dean of Student Affairs. The document declared the immediate dissolution of the SUG, alongside the removal of hall representatives and the cessation of all union-related activities. While NANS recognizes that university administrators have the right to look into claims of misconduct, they contend that the school acted without transparency or a fair hearing.
NANS stressed that the union exists as an elected representative body for student interests and should not be dismantled through a sudden administrative order. They criticized the university’s requirement that officials immediately surrender assets and records, suggesting this undermines the fairness of the subsequent investigation. The organization called on UNIPORT leadership to halt the dissolution and ensure that any potential inquiry is handled by an impartial panel.
The statement clarified that NANS supports accountability for student leaders, provided it follows established rules. However, they warned against using the pretext of investigation to suppress student representation. NANS is now coordinating with stakeholders and planning further actions to safeguard democratic processes at the university, insisting the order be reversed while a legitimate, transparent investigation takes place.
