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Tag: NANS

  • NANS: Buhari is a new progressive

    THE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has described President Muhammadu Buhari as a new progressive for declaring June 12 as the country’s Democracy Day.

    Buhari had on Wednesday proclaimed that June 12 will henceforth be known as Nigeria’s Democracy Day instead of May 29.

    The president said the decision was in honour of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.

    He also conferred Abiola with a post-humous award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).

    Reacting to the development, the Public Relations Officer of NANS, Mr. Idowu Odebunmi, in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria yesterday in Akure, said: “President Buhari has proven to be a progressive and champion of people’s course, which June 12 stands for.

    “The properties and lives lost in the struggle of June 12 and the main centre of the people that liberated us from the shackles of military regime have been compensated today by President Muhammadu Buhari.”

     

     

    “This shows the advancement of Nigeria’s democracy and it shows we have a president that appreciates free and fair election,” he said.

     

     

  • NANS lauds plan to sign ‘Not-Too-Young-To-Run’ Bill

    THE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for agreeing to deepen democracy by signing the `Not-Too-Young-To-Run’ Bill.

    “By this action, President Buhari has demonstrated that he is a listening President and father who seek for the betterment of the youths at heart.

    “Nigerian students will continue to support Mr. President’s programmes meant to better the lots of Nigerians,” NANS’ National President, Mr. Kadiri Aruna, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Enugu.

    According to him, the President’s assertion was a welcomed developed.

    NAN reports that Buhari, in his Democracy Day Speech yesterday, assured Nigerians that he would be joined by “few promising youths to sign the `Not-Too-Young-To-Run’ Bill soon”.

    Kadiri noted that NANS and other pro-young people’s group had long waited for Mr. President’s positive stance on the bill.

    “This bill will deepen democracy and give all, especially youths that constitute the bulk of population of the country, a sense of belonging.

    “It will also make the political space more inclusive and dynamic as more young people will bring in their innovations,” he said.

    The students’ leader, however, urged political parties to implement the provisions of the bill when signed into law to create a space for young people to contribute to nation’s growth and progress.

     

  • NANS decries petroleum varsity’s neglect

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone B has decried the negligent posture of the Federal Government towards the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE).

    Making the pronouncement on Tuesday last week, the Zone’s Coordinator, Okereke Godson, described as irresponsible government’s refusal to adequately fund FUPRE as a specialized university.

    As a result, he said the University was without adequate infrastructure to perform her role as the first petroleum university in Africa and sixth in the world.

    He said the exclusion of FUPRE in the 2018 budget amounted to marginalization of not just the university but the entire Niger Delta people.

    He said the university was supposed to train youths to acquire the required skills in the oil and gas sector so as to stop capital flight through the engagement of expatriate staff.

    Godson said that the struggle was not for FUPRE students alone but all Nigerian students and urged the Federal Government not to play politics with the implementation of FUPRE Act, but urgently address the anomaly.

    The NANS zone B converged in FUPRE in solidarity with the students of the University who had been protesting the non-inclusion of FUPRE in this year’s budget.

    Welcoming the students, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Akii Ibhadode, appreciated the students for their non-violent approach.

    He said the government had a procedure and expressed hope that there was still time to include FUPRE in the budget in line with the provisions of its establishment Act of 2017.

     

  • NANS threatens Fayose over prolonged EKSU strike, others

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose to resolve issues that led to the closure of the State University (EKSU) in the past three months.

    Lecturers at EKSU and the College of Education at Ikere-Ekiti are on strike in protesting their unpaid eight-month salary arrears.

    The college teachers are also aggrieved with the state government over what they called “outrageous taxes” it imposed on them.

    NANS also condemned exorbitant acceptance fees being charged at state-owned tertiary institutions.

    It described the development as “fraud”.

    The students’ body also said it would embark on a “mass action” to force the government to accede to their demands.

    In a statement yesterday by NANS Zone D President, Lukman Adekitan and Treasurer, Ayodeji Amoran, the body expressed fear that EKSU students may miss their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation.

    The students’ body also demanded a reduction in school fees in the state-owned tertiary institutions, namely: EKSU, the College of Education at Ikere Ekiti and the College of Health Technology at Ijero-Ekiti.

    It called for outright stoppage of “acceptance fees” in the institutions.

    NANS said: “Acceptance fee is a fraud. We are against N50,000 and N100,000 acceptance fees in EKSU; N50,000 in College of Health Technology at Ijero and N35,000 in College of Education at Ikere-Ekiti.

    Acceptance fee is against the masses. We also demand immediate resumption of academic activities in our striking institutions in Ekiti State.”

     

  • NANS cautions students against false information

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) yesterday cautioned students against using the social media to spread falsehood and information capable of causing disaffection.

    National Public Relations Officer Bestman Okereafor in a statement in Enugu to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said students should desist from spreading false information through the social media on incidents that did not exist, as the practice could endanger peace.

    He said: “The attention of the apex students’ governing body has been drawn to a purported voice note and old pictures of an attack, which occurred in Ogun State, in circulation.

    “It should be noted that the Ogun State Command, under the watch of Police Commissioner Mr. Ahmed Iliyasu, remains pro-active and second to none.

    “People, especially students spreading false rumours about the security status of the state, should desist.

    “Governor Ibikunle Amosun has over the years prioritised security, which has earned him awards and laurels.’’

    Okereafor said the association had confidence in the command.

    “The purported voice note and pictures about herdsmen attack on Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, currently in circulation, are not true. They should be disregarded by the public.

    “Students should endeavour not to be used as political instruments by desperate daredevil politicians,’’ he said.

  • NANS protests rustication of five students from UNIBEN

    NANS protests rustication of five students from UNIBEN

    Factional President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NAN), Comrade Aruna Kadiri, on Wednesday led a protest at the University of Benin to demand the unconditional reinstatement of five students of the institution who were rusticated last week.

    The five students who are executive members of the institution’s SUG were rusticated for protesting against increment of various fees in the institution.

    Those affected included the SUG President, Osamudiamen Ogbidi, Justus Aidenagnon, Innocent Momodu, Goodnews Ehiabhi and Patrick Majekodumi.

    The school management said the protest was meant to disrupt its 47th founders’ day lecture and 43rd convocation ceremony.

    Comrade Kadiri urged students of the institution to stay away from lecture venue until the rusticated students are recalled.

    The protest by NANS came after a meeting with the institution’s management failed.

    Sources at the meeting said the school management had asked the rusticated students to write a letter of apology.

    The source claimed that the affected students and NANS leadership rejected the condition because the protest was peaceful and geared towards expressing their grievances.

    The university’s spokesman, Mr. Micheal Osasuyi said, “The students remain rusticated and management has not given any conditional offer.

    “What happen is that people came to beg on their behalf. And if they (students) are appealing, they know the necessary step to take,” Osasuyi said.

  • NANS faults NASU’s disruption of activities at UNN

    THE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has faulted plans by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) chapter of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) to disrupt activities as part of an ongoing national strike.

    Last Tuesday, NASU allegedly stopped electricity and water supply to the campus, fuelling the students’anger. Normalcy returned after intervention by NANS officials, led by Kingsley Nwosu, the Director of Sports

    Condemning the NASU action, NANS said while it was not against the strike by the national leadership of the union, there was no reason to disrupt academic activities and electricity supply on UNN campus.

    Kingsley urged the aggrieved union members not to allow their action affect students. He reiterated the commitment of the students’ apex body to continuing its fight for students’welfare, assuring that the situation was under control.

    He said: “Sequel to the barricade placed at the main gate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka by the Non-Academic Staff Union, the leadership of NANS has taken actions and serious steps to see to it that students do not experience this again.

    “The leadership of NANS is not against actions being taken by NASU in its ongoing strike, but we rather request the union to carry out its actions without obstructing electricity, water supply and academic activities.

    “We call on students to stay calm and go about their activities as NANS has the situation under control because education is our right and not a privilege.’’

     

  • Don’t ignore Obasanjo’s letter, ex-NANS president tells Buhari

    Don’t ignore Obasanjo’s letter, ex-NANS president tells Buhari

    A former national president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Comrade Jude Imagwe, has urged President Mohammadu Buhari not to ignore the letter written by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    Comrade Imagwe said President Buhari should heed to the advice of Obasanjo saying his administration has failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

    Imagwe who was a former Special Assistant on Youth and Students Affair to former President Goodluck Jonathan said it would amount to political suicide for any incumbent Nigeria President Obasanjo’s advice.

    The former NANS president stated that President Buhari should be thinking of handing over the leadership of the country to younger generation as seen in other developed countries.

    Imagwe said it was worrisome that the APC led administration refused to rejig its cabinet three years after assuming power.

    He noted that many ministers have failed to deliver on their mandate to Nigerians.

    He said, “Love or hate former President Obasanjo, he has hit the nail precisely on the head in this instance. APC should own up and stop any further ambition to the highest office especially with their foremost candidate. Buhari must begin to march his word with actions.

    “Any letter from Obasanjo cannot be ignored or thrown away. Most of the active players either public or private sector had work with Obasanjo, which means he assembled credible hands. If you have never been President you will not be in a better position to advice.

    “These are his views and observations from outside because he feels the pulse of the people. Some of the things he advised Buhari are things he wished to have done when he was in office and that is why he must take his advice seriously.

    “Obasanjo assembled minsters that were proactive and dedicated. The mere mention of FCT what come to mind is El’ Rufia, NAFDAC, you think of late Dora Akunyili and so many others

    “Jonathan also had ministers who are credible but that cannot be said with Buhari’s ministers and that is why the so called change agenda still remain a mirage.

    “Nigeria should be entrusted in the hands of the young generation and people who have succeeded in their chosen fields because they think better on how to move the Country forward. Buhari must stand up now and change his cabinet because none of his minsters can be said to be outstanding three years into his administration.”

  • NANS appeals to FG dialogue with NASU over demands

    NANS appeals to FG dialogue with NASU over demands

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to the Federal Government to dialogue with the striking Non Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) in the interest of Nigerian students.

    The NANS Public Relations Officer, Mr Bestman Okereafor, made the appeal in a statement and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Enugu.

    “We are appealing that the Federal Government should look into the matter that caused the strike and resolve it, as Nigerian students bear the brunt of the hardship caused by the strike,’’ Okereafor said.

    He said that the association was displeased at the delay by the government to resolve the lingering NASU’s industrial action.

    “This is negatively affecting millions of university students currently writing their exams across the federation.

    “Our students have been in total darkness, non availability of water, scarcity of transportation, non availability of examination pass, no access to the library and documentations and records among several other things, which all fall under the purview of NASU,’’ he said.

    Read Also: NANS urges FG to pay entitlements of deceased heroes to families.

    According to him, it is unfortunate that even the Senate and House of Representatives have decided to keep mute over the issue for so long, probably because their children are in the Diaspora.

    “It is disappointing that the government has decided to take the welfare of Nigerian students with levity despite our love and loyalty to our dear country.

    “This undue suffering is unacceptable to Nigerian students, as this has drastically affected their academic performance,’’ he said.

    Okereafor, however, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to grant NANS leadership  an audience to enable the association to table the myriad problems facing Nigerian students before him “as a father’’.

    NAN recalls that NASU’s strike, which commenced on Dec. 10, 2017, had lingered for over a month now.

    NAN

  • NANS urges FG to pay entitlements of deceased heroes to families.

    NANS urges FG to pay entitlements of deceased heroes to families.

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Monday appealed to the Federal Government to promptly pay pensions and entitlements to families of deceased military, para-military and police personnel, who had served meritoriously.

    The National Public Relations Officer of NANS, Mr Bestman Okereafor, made the appeal in a statement in Enugu on the occasion of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.

    “It is, however, disheartening that the government has not really been doing the needful in the aspect of prompt payment of pensions and entitlements to the families of the deceased.

    “This has brought untold hardship on the families and children of the departed heroes.

    Read Also: NANS sets up monitoring team on petrol prices, sales

    “NANS is passionately calling on the Federal Government to ensure the prompt disbursement of entitlements without delay.’’

    He said that the leadership of NANS joined the government and good people of Nigeria in remembering the fallen heroes on the occasion of the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.

    “No doubt the fallen heroes and heroines have given their very best and their lives for the defence and liberation of our beloved country.’’

    Okereafor said that NANS also appreciated the military and other security agents for their proactive moves in tackling crimes and insurgents in the country.

    “May God guide and protect them all as they sacrifice on behalf of us all,’’ he said.

    Meanwhile, NANS has reacted to the sack of some teachers in Kaduna State.

    The association urged Gov. Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State to reverse the dismissal of 22,000 teachers in the state.

    NAN