NANS Urges Investigation into Illegal Mining Activities at OAU
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed grave concerns over reports of illegal mining activities within the premises of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has raised concerns over reports of illegal mining activities within the premises of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, calling for urgent investigations into the matter.
In a statement issued by Comrade Ekundina Segun Elvis, President of the NANS Senate, the association condemned the illicit mining activities occurring within the university's vicinity. The statement, released to Vanguard on Friday in Abuja, urged all relevant stakeholders to take decisive action to address the situation at OAU.
"As the apex body representing Nigerian students nationwide, we stand in solidarity with our fellow students and members of the university community who are directly impacted by these illicit operations," the statement read.
The recent revelations concerning illegal mining activities near the university's staff quarters and vital water sources raise significant concerns about the safety, health, and well-being of thousands of students, faculty, and staff members, according to NANS.
The intrusion of mining activities into the university campus is seen as a disruption to the sanctity of academia and a threat to the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment that universities are meant to foster.
NANS strongly denounced the disregard for environmental regulations and highlighted the potential complicity of certain individuals or groups in facilitating these illegal mining operations.
The association referenced a recent tragedy in Bodija, Ibadan, where illegal mining activities resulted in loss of lives, injuries, and extensive property damage, emphasizing the dangers associated with such operations.
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In light of the situation at OAU, NANS called upon the university management to prioritize the safety and well-being of the campus community by taking immediate steps to halt these illegal activities and hold accountable those responsible.
The statement concluded by urging swift and thorough investigations into the matter to ensure that justice is served and to prevent further harm to the university community.
