The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone B, South-South, has demanded the immediate reinstatement of the elected Students’ Union Government (SUG) leadership of Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri, and called for the removal of the institution’s Rector, Chief Wisdom Soreh.
The students’ body made the demands in a statement signed by its Zone B Chief Public Relations Officer, Comrade Great Ogheneyurume Ifode, amid the lingering crisis at the institution.
NANS Zone B expressed concern over the continued dissolution of the elected SUG leadership, insisting that the SUG President and other elected officials represent the legitimate voice of the students and should not be removed without due process and meaningful engagement.
The organisation also accused the Rector of rejecting efforts by NANS representatives to conduct a fact-finding exercise and allegedly failing to provide an avenue for constructive dialogue with student representatives.
According to NANS, the development has created what it described as a perception of “authoritarian administration” rather than participatory leadership within the Polytechnic.
The students’ body acknowledged reports that the Rector enjoys the backing of the institution’s Governing Council, but argued that such backing should not be interpreted as a licence to disregard students’ rights or frustrate efforts aimed at resolving the crisis peacefully.
NANS Zone B subsequently demanded the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of the SUG President and all duly elected members of the Students’ Union Government.
It also called for the withdrawal and nullification of any administrative action dissolving the elected SUG leadership pending a transparent resolution of the grievances.
The organisation further demanded the removal of Chief Wisdom Soreh as Rector, citing concerns over his alleged handling of the crisis, refusal to accept the findings of NANS delegates and failure to facilitate effective dialogue with student representatives.
NANS also called on the Bayelsa State Government and other relevant authorities to intervene immediately to prevent further escalation and restore confidence in the administration of the institution.
It proposed the establishment of an independent dialogue mechanism involving the state government, Polytechnic management, Governing Council, NANS and student representatives to resolve the matter permanently.
NANS Sets Friday for Action
NANS Zone B said that, in line with a directive from the national leadership of the association, its secretariat would on Friday, August 14, 2026, commence steps to formally pursue its demands and engage relevant authorities over the crisis.
The organisation stressed that it was not opposed to lawful institutional authority but insisted that such authority must be exercised with accountability, fairness and respect for students’ rights and dignity.
It warned that failure by the government to respond positively and meaningfully to its demands within a reasonable period could lead to further lawful and peaceful student actions across the state.
NANS, however, assured that any such action would be conducted peacefully and responsibly in accordance with directives from its national leadership.
The organisation called on the state government to act urgently to protect students and restore peace in the state’s tertiary institutions.
“Reinstate the elected SUG. Respect students’ rights. Restore dialogue. Protect students’ democracy,” NANS Zone B stated.
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