The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has cautioned the Department of State Services (DSS) against hindering students from exercising their right to protest, which is a universally recognized human right. This warning comes in response to the DSS’s statement that some politicians were mobilizing student leaders for violent protests against the Federal Government.
The NANS National Public Relations Officer, Giwa Temitope, emphasized that protesting is a legitimate right, and the student body will be participating in a protest against fee hikes at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). He urged the DSS not to infringe on the rights of students.
The student protest at UNILAG is scheduled for September 6, 2023, and is in response to the university’s decision to increase fees for various courses, citing “prevailing economic realities” as the reason for the hike. Students are demanding the immediate reversal of the fee increase.
NANS maintains that the DSS should not interfere in matters related to students’ rights to express their grievances through peaceful protests.