Human rights activist and student movement veteran, Francis Nwapa, has condemned the alleged attack on peaceful protesters and members of the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement during a demonstration in Ibadan, Oyo State, describing the incident as evidence of the decline of radical student unionism in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Nwapa alleged that individuals linked to the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) were involved in disrupting the protest, which was organised to demand the rescue and release of students and teachers abducted by terrorists in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He argued that student organisations were historically established to defend the interests of oppressed people, promote democratic rights, and stand in solidarity with victims of injustice, rather than suppress peaceful protests and dissenting voices.
Reflecting on his experience in student activism, Nwapa said the current state of student unionism represents a departure from the traditions of intellectual engagement, political consciousness, and collective struggle that once characterised student movements across Nigerian campuses.
According to him, the weakening of radical student activism has enabled political actors to exert greater influence over student organisations while reducing resistance to policies affecting education and the welfare of young people.
He further stated that the decline of organised student movements has contributed to political apathy among many youths, creating the perception that leadership and political participation are reserved for the wealthy, older generations, or those with political connections.
Nwapa called on students and young people across the country to rebuild democratic and independent student organisations capable of defending students’ interests and supporting broader struggles for social justice and democratic rights.
He urged student activists to revive traditions of political education, intellectual development, and collective action, stressing that strong student movements have historically played important roles in advancing democratic and social change in Nigeria.
The comments come amid growing controversy over allegations of attacks on protesters during demonstrations against insecurity and the abduction of students and teachers in parts of Oyo State.
