The National Association of Agricultural Students has called on the Kwara State Government to immediately suspend the proposed relocation of the Faculty of Agriculture at Kwara State University to Ilesha Baruba.
The students made the appeal in a statement issued on Wednesday by the NAAS National President, Bashar Abdulazeez, and co-signed by the NAAS National Director of Welfare, Raji Ridwan.
The students expressed deep concern over the safety of students in light of recent violent attacks in the community.
“We sympathise with the people of Ilesha Baruba who have suffered from repeated attacks.
“However, the relocation of students to a region facing such volatility is highly risky and unacceptable. No educational reform should come at the cost of students’ lives,” Abdulazeez stated.
He emphasised that the academic welfare and safety of students must remain a priority, calling on the state government to reconsider its decision and involve stakeholders in any discussions about future changes.
“Students deserve to learn in an environment free from fear and danger.
“The Faculty of Agriculture must remain in a secure and academically conducive zone. We urge His Excellency, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, to engage the leadership of NAAS and other relevant bodies before proceeding with any relocation plan,” he added.
The association also encouraged the university management, under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Shaykh-Lukman Jimoh, to improve on-campus security measures.
While commending the state government’s broader efforts to combat insecurity, Abdulazeez insisted that “more targeted interventions are needed in sensitive regions like Ilesha Baruba, especially where students’ lives are at stake.”
On his part, Ridwan reiterated the association’s commitment to advocating for student-friendly policies.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that no student is exposed to unnecessary danger in the name of academic restructuring,” Ridwan affirmed.
