The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a strong warning to the management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), over what it describes as “systematic victimisation and harassment” of former student leader, Comrade Naseer Ibrahim Isah, allegedly orchestrated by a senior academic official of the institution.
In a statement made available to The Nigeria Education News on Monday, NANS President Olushola Oladoja condemned the alleged actions against Isah, a former NANS Senator and respected campus advocate, calling them “a gross abuse of academic authority” that must be immediately investigated and addressed.
Oladoja revealed that Isah, who previously served as President of the Students’ Union Government at BUK, was denied access to a test in the course titled CT Protocol, allegedly for failing to pay “faculty charges,” a claim NANS insists has no legal or academic backing in the university’s Senate regulations.
“This punitive action lacks legal and academic merit, as no Senate regulation of the University supports the denial of test access on such grounds,” Oladoja stated. “Punishment before trial is not only unlawful but repugnant to the ethics of fairness and academic justice.”
According to NANS, the situation escalated when Isah was again barred from participating in another test, this time on the basis of alleged non-attendance at lectures — a charge they say was made without any verifiable attendance records or documentation. The student body has described this as “a clear breach of due process” and indicative of “institutional bias.”
The NANS president further alleged that Isah has been subjected to repeated verbal threats and unprofessional remarks by a senior staff member, including comments that he would “suffer academically because of his involvement in student politics.” Such statements, according to Oladoja, “reveal a personal vendetta and are unbecoming of anyone entrusted with the mentorship and academic progress of students.”
He added, “Let it be known that Comrade Naseer’s only ‘offence’ is standing firm for student welfare, leading with courage, and holding power to account — the very attributes student leaders should be commended for, not crucified.”
Oladoja did not mince words in condemning the alleged misconduct, describing it as a shameful example of how democratic ideals are being trampled within Nigeria’s ivory towers. “It is both appalling and disheartening that in a democratic environment, an activist who once served with honour is being hounded by individuals who should ideally serve as mentors,” he said.
NANS demanded an immediate end to what it calls “the persecution of Comrade Naseer” and called on the university’s management to launch a transparent investigation into the allegations. The association specifically named Dr. Idris Garba, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, as the senior official allegedly involved in the harassment.
“As much as we respect ASUU as our sister union, we will not condone a situation where one of their members is actively oppressing and victimising our student — a former SU President for that matter,” Oladoja said, calling on the Academic Staff Union of Universities to also probe the matter.
Should the university fail to address the issue swiftly, NANS has threatened to relocate its national headquarters to the university campus and mobilise a massive protest that it describes as “historic in scale.”
“This is not an empty threat,” the statement warned. “We shall move the entire NANS Secretariat to Bayero University, Kano, and lead a peaceful yet resolute protest to resist tyranny and defend our comrade’s academic rights.”
In conclusion, NANS demanded that Comrade Naseer Ibrahim Isah be allowed to fully resume all academic activities without intimidation or obstruction. “Any further attempt to frustrate his academic pursuit will be met with fierce resistance from Nigerian students nationwide,” Oladoja declared.
As of press time, the management of Bayero University, Kano, had not issued an official response to the allegations. Efforts to reach Dr. Idris Garba for comments also proved abortive. However, this development has sparked growing concern among students and rights groups over the abuse of power and the need for safeguards to protect student activists.
