The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South West Zone D, has declared its intention to commence a total and peaceful shutdown of academic activities across Tertiary Institutions in Osun State, citing growing concerns about political violence ahead of the State's governorship election. The association disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, jointly signed by its Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah, Secretary General, Ojetola Babatunde, and Public Relations Officer, Tope Olugbemi.

NANS explained that the decision followed what it described as an alarming escalation of political violence, shootings, intimidation and politically related killings across the State, adding that the prevailing security situation no longer guarantees students' safety or supports continued academic activity. The association noted reports of gunshots in communities surrounding some Tertiary Institutions, particularly at night, which it said had heightened fear among students living on and off campus. It also raised concern over the absence of a comprehensive security arrangement designed specifically to protect campuses, hostels, surrounding communities and major transportation routes during the election period.

All NANS structures, Joint Campus Council officials, Students' Union Governments, senators and stakeholders have been placed on notice to prepare for the planned shutdown, though the association stated that the exact date, duration and operational details would only be communicated through recognised NANS and Students' Union channels. Students were advised to prepare to return peacefully to their homes until peace, stability and adequate safety are restored across the State.

While affirming students' constitutional right to participate in the electoral process, NANS warned political actors against exploiting undergraduates for electoral gains, urging students not to surrender personal information to unknown persons or board unmarked vehicles operated by unverified individuals. The association stressed that the proposed shutdown was not politically sponsored and was intended solely to protect students, insisting that no campus should become a recruitment centre for political thuggery.

NANS called on Governor Ademola Adeleke, security agencies, heads of tertiary institutions, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the Independent National Electoral Commission to act urgently, maintaining that its position would remain unchanged until government provides credible security guarantees and engages student leadership.