The Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Lagos State Axis, Comrade Quadri Odewunmi, has strongly condemned the alleged assault and illegal detention of students of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) by officials of the institution’s security unit, describing the incidents as a gross violation of students’ rights and an abuse of authority.
He called on the management of the institution to immediately investigate the allegations and ensure that justice is served.
In a statement issued on Monday, Odewunmi said reports and evidence available to his office indicated that some students were allegedly brutalised by security personnel attached to the institution.
According to him, no security officer, irrespective of where they serve, has the legal authority to inflict bodily harm on any Nigerian outside the provisions of the law. “No Nigerian has the authority to inflict wounds or bodily harm on another Nigerian outside the provisions of the law. Security personnel in our institutions are engaged to maintain order, not to brutalise students,” he said.
The NANS Lagos Chairman also frowned at what he described as the continued operation of a “college cell” where students are allegedly detained by the institution’s security unit. He argued that such a practice has no place in any academic environment, insisting that tertiary institutions are established to educate and nurture future leaders, not to operate detention facilities. “Schools are established to educate, mentor and develop future leaders—not to operate detention facilities. Our campuses must remain centres of learning, not places where students live in fear of those meant to protect them,” he stated.
While acknowledging the powers of institutions to discipline erring students, Odewunmi maintained that such disciplinary measures must be carried out within the confines of established regulations and due process. He noted that allegations of misconduct against students should be referred to the appropriate disciplinary bodies rather than being met with physical assault, intimidation or any form of unlawful detention.
“Where a student violates institutional regulations, there are laid-down disciplinary procedures. Resorting to violence or intimidation reflects a dangerous culture of impunity that must not be tolerated,” he added.
Consequently, Odewunmi demanded the immediate dismissal of any security official found culpable after a thorough investigation into the allegations. According to him, officers who abuse their positions and violate the rights of students should be held accountable to serve as a deterrent to others. “Every official found to have participated in these acts must face the appropriate sanctions. Accountability is the only way to restore confidence in the institution’s security system,” he said.
He further called for a comprehensive overhaul of the YABATECH Security Unit, urging the institution to adopt a more professional and rights-based approach to campus security. He also demanded the immediate discontinuation of the alleged “college cell” and the dismantling of any facility used for the unlawful detention of students. “No tertiary institution should maintain facilities for the unlawful detention of students. Such practices are inconsistent with democratic values and the rule of law,” he asserted.
The student leader urged the management of Yaba College of Technology to act swiftly by conducting a transparent investigation into the allegations and implementing necessary reforms. He warned that failure to address the issues decisively could erode students’ confidence in the institution’s commitment to justice, accountability and the protection of students’ welfare.
Reaffirming NANS’ commitment to defending the interests of Nigerian students, Odewunmi assured that the association would continue to pursue every lawful and democratic avenue to ensure justice for any student subjected to assault or unlawful detention.
“As Chairman of NANS JCC Lagos State Axis, I will not stand by while students under my jurisdiction are subjected to brutality, humiliation and unlawful detention. The era of impunity against Nigerian students must come to an end,” he declared.
