The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the management of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, to reconsider the one-year suspension imposed on four students involved in a campus altercation.
The students’ body, however, did not react to the university’s decision to expel two students over alleged gay practice.
The appeal follows the institution’s recent disciplinary action against six students after its Students’ Disciplinary Committee found them guilty of separate offences.
In a statement released on Monday by its National Treasurer, Asmawu Idris, NANS said while it does not condone fighting or any form of indiscipline, sanctions should strike a balance between punishment and the future of affected students.
“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 noted that reports indicated some of the suspended students were female and had no previous disciplinary record, urging the university to consider corrective measures that would not derail their academic journey.
“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 association also expressed its readiness to hold discussions with the university in search of what it described as a fair and compassionate outcome.
“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.
NANS further appealed to the institution to revisit the punishment while advising students to remain law-abiding and allow the university’s disciplinary process to run its course.
“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.
Although the association intervened on behalf of the four suspended students, it did not comment on the expulsion of Onumoko Hamza of the Biology Education Department and Abdulazeez Eneji of the Mining Engineering Department over alleged gay practice.
The university also suspended 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 institution, the disciplinary measures were approved by the university Senate based on the recommendations of its Students’ Disciplinary Committee and in line with the amended 2025 Students’ Handbook. The management added that it would continue to enforce its regulations to maintain order and a conducive academic environment.
