NANS Under State Capture, Now Seyi Tinubu’s Political Tool, Group Warns

A transparency campaign group, Leadership & Accountability Initiative has condemned the umbrella body of students in the country, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for allowing itself to be hijacked and captured as a political tool by those in government. 

The group particularly accused the son of the President, Seyi Tinubu of planting moles in the association to advance political gains, warning that the disappearing influence of NANS is inimical to citizens' right to hold divergent opinions. 

In a statement on Wednesday, the lead Convener of the group, Hon. Ibrahim Bako expressed disappointment with the response of NANS to a "constructive" criticism by Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed, the son of the Governor of Bauchi State, saying NANS' position reflects a disturbing trend that has unfortunately overtaken the association. 

"It is deeply troubling to see an association, which is supposed to champion the rights and welfare of Nigerian youths, reduce itself to a mouthpiece for the interests of those in power. Your statement in defense of the president’s son, rather than focusing on the core concerns and needs of Nigerian students, exposes how far NANS has strayed from its mission. You have allowed yourself to become a mere political instrument, lending your voice to those in power, while abandoning your responsibility to question, challenge, and advocate for the issues that truly matter to Nigerian students and youths", Hon. Bako stated. 

According to him, NANS' mandate has always been to fight for the improvement of education, the betterment of the living standards of students, and defend their rights but expressed dissatisfaction that the association'recent actions indicate that it has abandoned these core functions, instead focusing on political partisanship. 

"Your position, defending a hollow gesture of distributing sachet foods while ignoring the larger systemic issues of youth unemployment, engagement and empowerment is not only a disservice to the students you are meant to represent but, also an insult to their intelligence. The youths of Nigeria deserve better than political gifts and short-term reliefs. We deserve the dignity of real support: quality education, sustainable business opportunities, meaningful scholarships, and an environment where we can thrive without relying on charity or crumbs thrown from political tables", he noted. 

He therefore called on NANS to return to its roots, reevaluate its role in the Nigerian political and social landscape, and refocus on its core mission of representing the interests of Nigerian students and youths and not political figures or their families. 

He said time has come for NANS to recognize that the Nigerian youths do not need political favours or empty gestures, rather a lasting changes in the education system, an economy that allows youths to thrive, and leaders who are genuinely committed to the welfare of every Nigerian.