The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), representing the Southwest Zone D, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) to reconsider the expulsion of 18 students from the Theatre Arts department. These students were expelled over allegations related to the leakage of examination questions.

In a statement released by the Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, NANS expressed serious concerns regarding the disciplinary action taken against the students, arguing that the university's approach lacked fairness and transparency. The association indicated that it would initiate peaceful and lawful mass action if the university fails to address the situation within the stipulated timeframe.

NANS conducted a thorough investigation involving interviews with the affected students, virtual engagements, and written submissions. The findings suggested a need for differentiation among the students based on their level of involvement in the alleged malpractice. The association highlighted that while some students may have accessed a lecturer’s computer, others merely received the questions through WhatsApp without any active participation in the compromise.

The statement from NANS questioned the university's rationale behind treating all 18 students equally without considering the nuances of their involvement. It raised critical questions about whether each student was aware of the authenticity of the leaked questions and whether they actively sought out the material or simply received it.

Additionally, NANS pointed to the need for an independent review of the security measures surrounding examination materials, emphasizing the importance of understanding the role of university staff in the incident. The association also criticized the lack of meaningful student representation during the proceedings that led to the expulsion, which they believe is unjust given the severity of the consequences faced by the students.

Despite appeals submitted by the affected students, academic activities at UNIOSUN have continued, leaving the expelled students in a state of uncertainty. NANS has called for intervention from various stakeholders, including the Osun State Governor, the university’s Governing Council, the Osun State Ministry of Education, and the National Universities Commission (NUC).

In its concluding remarks, NANS reaffirmed its stance against examination malpractice while insisting that the principles of fairness, individual accountability, and transparency must guide any disciplinary measures. The association stated, “Let every student answer only for what credible evidence proves against him or her. Academic integrity must be protected, but justice, proportionality and fair hearing must equally remain fundamental values.”