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.
DAILY POST recalls that the students were punished for various offenses following the outcome of students’ Disciplinary Committee set up recently.
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.
Although the students union condemned violence and all forms of misconduct on campuses, the union pleaded for the offence of the four suspended students, urging the institution to adopt a more compassionate approach that would not permanently disrupt their education.
It said, “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 expressed particular concern that some of the affected students were female and reportedly first-time offenders.
“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,” it said
The student body also offered to engage with the university in pursuit of what it described as a fair, balanced and compassionate resolution.
According to the statement, 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
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