The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has disclaimed an individual allegedly parading himself as the president of the association, describing his claims as illegitimate, misleading, and politically sponsored.
The group warned that the association will not allow its platform to be hijacked by what it termed “a lone ranger” pursuing personal and political interests.
The statement accused the self-styled president of being sponsored by political actors threatened by the strength of a unified NANS, and of engaging in attacks against public figures for personal gain.
Particularly, the statement criticised repeated allegations made against Mr. Seyi Tinubu, the Minister of Youth, and other prominent officials.
“His consistent attacks on individuals in government particularly Mr. Seyi Tinubu, the Honourable Minister of Youth, and other respected public officials are nothing but a calculated attempt to exploit the current political landscape for personal popularity and financial reward.
“One must ask: how is it possible for someone to claim to be the NANS President and yet walk alone without any EXCOs, without any zonal, state (JCC), or institutional SUG structure supporting him?” the statement read.
NANS questioned the legitimacy of the individual’s emergence, stating that there is no record of his participation in the student electoral process.
It pointed out the absence of proof of form purchase, screening, convention attendance, or election.
The association also raised concerns over the lack of any executive council members or other organizational backing associated with the individual.
The statement also called out Sahara Reporters, accusing the media outlet of being the sole platform amplifying the controversial figure’s claims.
“Why is this issue only being amplified by Sahara Reporters, a platform that seems to have become a megaphone for just one individual?” the statement queried.
NANS further challenged members of the media and public to verify the claims by reaching out to legitimate student structures including JCC Chairmen, Zonal Coordinators, and sister organisations such as NAUS, NANCE, and NAPS.
The body maintained that none of these recognized student groups support the said individual.
NANS called on students nationwide to ignore distractions and remain committed to the organisation’s core mission of advocating for Nigerian students.
“Our voice is strong, our structure is intact, and our resolve is unshakable. We are not for sale,” the statement added.
NANS also discredited any suggestion that one Mr Abubakr is currently serving as its president.
According to the association, the only recognised and duly elected president is Comrade Olushola Oladoja.
“We want to clearly state that Mr Abubakr is in no way the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students. The legitimate and duly elected President of NANS, representing the Nigerian student populace, is Comrade Olushola Oladoja,” it added.
The student body expressed disappointment over what it described as the role of certain media platforms in enabling misinformation by failing to verify the credentials of their guests.
“It is deeply concerning that media platforms we consider reputable would grant their platform to individuals peddling falsehoods and seeking to tarnish the image of a formidable organisation like NANS,” the statement said.
Highlighting its commitment to due process, NANS stressed that leadership within the association is determined through a constitutionally guided, transparent convention process, with proper screening and security involvement.
“Aspiring leaders undergo a thorough process that includes obtaining forms, comprehensive screening, and other crucial steps well in advance of our conventions.
The suggestion that financial resources can bypass our established protocols and constitutional requirements is not only false but also deeply insulting,”
Reaffirming its independence, the association reiterated that it is not an arm of any political party, government, or politician.
“NANS is never an arm of any political party, government or politician. This is reflected in the various positions we have taken over unfavourable policies that affect the interests of our members — Nigerian students — irrespective of whose ox is gored,” the statement read.
NANS further warned against the misuse of its name for political manipulation, emphasising: “Let it be unequivocally stated that NANS will not tolerate anyone, under whatever guise, using the name of the association as a tool of blackmail or political manipulation.”
The statement concluded by urging media platforms to be more responsible in verifying claims and restated the association’s commitment to protecting the rights and interests of Nigerian students.
“We remain focused on our core mandate and will not be distracted by such antics,” NANS said.