NANS urges Kogi varsity to recall suspended students
July 27, 2026 11:40 am
Confluence University of Science and Technology Main gate.
The National Association of Nigerian Students has appealed to the management of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State, to review the one-year suspension imposed on four students over a campus fight but made no reference to two others expelled over alleged gay practice.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the university expelled two students and rusticated four others for one academic session after its Students’ Disciplinary Committee found them culpable of separate offences.
While NANS condemned violence and all forms of misconduct on campuses, its intervention focused solely on the four suspended students, urging the institution to adopt a more compassionate approach that would not permanently disrupt their education.
In a statement signed by its National Treasurer, Asmawu Idris , on Monday, the association said disciplinary measures should not only be lawful and proportionate but should also consider the long-term impact on students’ futures.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students has taken note of the disciplinary action reportedly taken by the management of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, against students alleged to have been involved in a fight on campus.
“While NANS unequivocally condemns violence, fighting and every form of misconduct within our institutions of learning, we firmly believe that disciplinary measures should not only be lawful and proportionate but should also take into account the long-term impact such decisions may have on the future of the affected students,” the statement read.
The association expressed particular concern that some of the affected students were female and reportedly first-time offenders.
“We are particularly concerned by reports that some female students have been handed a one-year suspension.
“Without seeking to excuse acts of indiscipline or undermine the authority of the university, we respectfully appeal to the management to temper justice with mercy by considering alternative disciplinary measures that will serve the objectives of correction and deterrence without causing undue disruption to the academic pursuits and future aspirations of the students, especially as they are reportedly first-time offenders,” NANS stated.
The student body also offered to engage with the university in pursuit of what it described as a fair, balanced and compassionate resolution.
“NANS stands ready to engage constructively with the university management to better understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and to advocate for a fair, balanced and compassionate resolution.
“Our intervention is guided solely by our commitment to the welfare of Nigerian students and our belief that discipline should always be accompanied by fairness, equity and the opportunity for rehabilitation,” the statement added.
The association further urged the university authorities to reconsider the disciplinary action and encouraged students to remain peaceful and respect the institution’s internal processes.
“We therefore call on the university authorities to kindly review the decision in the spirit of justice and compassion.
“We also urge the affected students and the entire student community to remain calm, respect the institution’s processes, and continue to uphold peace, discipline and responsible conduct,” it added.
Noticeably, the NANS statement did not address the expulsion of two students over alleged gay practice, focusing exclusively on the sanctions imposed for the campus fight.
On Friday, the university announced the expulsion of Onumoko Hamza of the Biology Education Department and Abdulazeez Eneji of the Mining Engineering Department over alleged gay practice.
It also rusticated Favor Akowe of the Microbiology Department, Simbiat Babamuharuna of the Biology Department, Zainab Omayoza of the Biochemistry Department and Sukura Bukola of the Biochemistry Department for one academic session over fighting.
According to the university, the disciplinary actions were approved by the Senate following recommendations of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee and were taken in line with the provisions of the amended 2025 Students’ Handbook.
The institution reiterated its commitment to maintaining discipline, order and a conducive environment for teaching and learning, warning that it would continue to take decisive action against students found guilty of violating its rules and regulations.
Samuel Omotere is an experienced journalist covering human interest stories, pop culture, and digital trends. He combines his background as a language graduate with a focus on sustainable digital storytelling.
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