The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticised the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) over its decision to dissolve the institution’s Students’ Union Government (SUG), describing the move as an infringement on students’ democratic rights and demanding that it be reversed immediately.
In a statement issued over the weekend and signed by its National President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, the student body expressed concern over a memorandum from the university’s Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, which announced the immediate dissolution of the Students’ Union, Hall Representatives, and all other student union activities.
Although NANS acknowledged the university management’s right to investigate allegations of misconduct involving elected student leaders, it maintained that dissolving the Students’ Union without following due process, ensuring transparency, or giving those affected a fair hearing was unjustifiable.
“The Students’ Union is a democratically elected body established to represent the interests and welfare of students and should not be dissolved through an administrative directive without clearly stated allegations, a proper investigation, and an opportunity for the affected officials to defend themselves,” the student body said.
NANS also raised concerns over portions of the university’s directive, pointing out that the memorandum ordered the affected union officials to immediately surrender all union property, official documents, and financial records while directing them to appear before an investigative panel whenever summoned.
According to the association, the directive has cast doubt on the transparency, fairness, and independence of the investigation.
The student body called on the University of Port Harcourt management to suspend the implementation of the dissolution, respect the mandate given to the elected student leaders, and publicly explain the reasons behind its decision.
NANS further urged the institution to constitute an independent and impartial investigative panel while ensuring that the affected student leaders are granted their right to a fair hearing throughout the process.
“We urge the university to refrain from any form of intimidation, victimisation, or disciplinary action against student leaders for carrying out their representative duties,” NANS stated.
“We are not opposed to accountability. We maintain that any student leader found guilty of financial misconduct or any other offence should be sanctioned in line with due process,” the statement added.
hile acknowledging the importance of accountability, NANS maintained that disciplinary measures should not be used as a basis to weaken students’ democratic institutions or silence legitimate student representation.
The association described the University of Port Harcourt as an institution built on the principles of learning and democracy, stressing that disagreements between the university management and the Students’ Union should be addressed through dialogue, proper investigation, and strict adherence to due process rather than the unilateral dissolution of elected student bodies.
NANS further disclosed that it had begun consultations with relevant stakeholders and would explore all lawful avenues to safeguard the rights, welfare, and democratic structures of students at the institution.
Reaffirming its position, the association called for the immediate reversal of the dissolution order pending the conclusion of what it described as a transparent, impartial, and fair investigation.
BACKSTORY:
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) is the official body representing students in Nigerian tertiary institutions, serving as a platform to advocate for students’ welfare, academic interests, and engagement with university management. Elected union executives are typically expected to serve for a fixed tenure and represent the student population on key issues affecting campus life.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), established in 1980, is the umbrella body representing Nigerian students in tertiary institutions across the country. Over the years, the association has frequently intervened in disputes involving university administrations and students, particularly in cases relating to tuition fee hikes, disciplinary actions, campus policies, and the suspension or dissolution of students’ unions.
The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has previously experienced disagreements between its management and student leaders, as have several other Nigerian universities. Such disputes often revolve around allegations of misconduct, campus security concerns, or disagreements over administrative decisions. In many cases, NANS has consistently maintained that while university authorities have the power to investigate alleged wrongdoing, disciplinary actions involving elected student leaders should be carried out in line with established regulations, due process, and the principles of fair hearing.
The latest disagreement follows the university’s decision to dissolve its Students’ Union Government and other student representative bodies pending an investigation. The move has generated debate within the academic community, with supporters arguing that universities must uphold discipline and accountability, while critics insist that elected student institutions should not be dissolved without transparent procedures and an opportunity for those affected to defend themselves.
