Tag: NANS

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has dissociated itself from any planned protests or struggles against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement by its President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, NANS condemned attempts by those it called faceless groups to manipulate students for their purposes.

“We strongly condemn the attempt to use students by these shadowy groups to intimidate the EFCC and distract it from its vital mission of ridding the country of corruption,” Emonefe said.

“Nigerian students and NANS stand in full support of the EFCC and its mandate to combat economic and financial crimes.”

NANS expressed concern about reports of students being targeted and recruited to undermine the EFCC’s efforts, which are crucial for defending the country’s image, prestige, and economic well-being.

Read Also: Public corruption, bane of development in Nigeria – EFCC boss

The body urged students to remain vigilant and not allow themselves to be used as pawns by corrupt elements seeking to derail the progress being made by the EFCC.

“We recognise the significant impact of the Commission’s work in restoring Nigeria’s integrity and ensuring a secure future for all citizens,” Emonefe said.

“We are ready to play our part in supporting the Commission and ensuring that Nigeria’s reputation is restored and preserved on the global stage.”

NANS called on parents, guardians, and educational institutions to be aware of these manipulative tactics and to guide their wards appropriately.

The group reaffirmed its unwavering support for the EFCC and its efforts to eradicate corruption and cybercrime.

“Together, we can build a Nigeria that we are proud of, a Nigeria where integrity and justice are the cornerstones of our society,” Emonefe said.

Members of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) yesterday staged a peaceful protest to urge security agencies to secure the release of their colleague, Gideon Akindoye, who was abducted two weeks ago while working on a farm.

The students, carrying placards, protested in the streets of Ode Irele, headquarters of Irele Local Government of Ondo State.

Akindoye has not been seen since June 11, but the motorcycle he drove to the farm was seen where he parked it.

Inscriptions on the placards read: ‘Bring back Gideon dead or alive’, ‘Mr Governor, we need your help,’ ‘Akindoyo Gideon missing since June 11, where is he?’, ‘Gideon where are you’.

Read Also: Rivers crisis: Pro-police protests rock 21 council secretariats

NANS Senate President Comrade Henry Okunomo said he believed Akindoye was kidnapped.

He said: “We are calling on those who kidnapped Gideon to release him to us dead or alive. If he is dead, they should release his body to us to give him a befitting burial, but if he is alive, they should release him to relieve his parents of unnecessary trauma.

“We have gathered here to ‘solidarise’ with the people of Irele and Igbobini, and we are taking this opportunity to call on the governor to end the lingering crisis between the two communities. “

Akindoye is a 300-level student of Computer Engineering at Al-Hilmah University in Kwara State.

Police spokesperson Funmilayo Odunlami said investigation was on.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the federal government to protect Dangote Refinery from saboteurs.

The student association in a statement by its Senate president, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez noted that it is imperative to shield the firm from economic saboteurs because the refinery’s successful operation is crucial to energy security, job creation, and financial stability.

This is against the backdrop of International Oil Companies’ (IOCs) attempts to sabotage the refinery.

The Vice President of Dangote Group, Devakumar Edwin, had stated that the IOCs were deliberately frustrating efforts to buy the local crude, either by asking for ridiculous/ high premiums or stating that crude is unavailable.

However, the student body called on the federal government to take immediate and decisive action to protect the Dangote Refinery, saying that the government must ensure it operates without undue interference and that it remains a pillar of Nigeria’s economic development.

NANS stressed the need for an adequate and steady supply of crude oil to the refinery, adding that a consistent flow of crude is essential for the refinery’s optimal performance and the stability of Nigeria’s energy sector.

Read Also: International oil companies plotting for our failure – Dangote Refinery

“The Dangote Refinery is not just a private venture; it is a national treasure that holds the promise of a brighter, more prosperous future for all Nigerians. Protecting it against sabotage is a matter of national interest and security. We implore the Federal Government to rise to this challenge and defend the refinery against any threats, ensuring that its benefits continue to uplift the lives of millions of Nigerians.

“As a student body, we recognize the immense contributions of Aliko Dangote and his refinery project to the Nigerian economy. Many young and old Nigerians have benefited from the opportunities and advancements brought about by Dangote’s initiatives. The refinery stands as a beacon of hope and progress, and any attempts to destabilize it are tantamount to an attack on the future of our nation.

 We urge the government to hold accountable those who seek to sabotage this crucial national asset and to implement measures that safeguard the refinery’s operations,” NANS added.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged  the National Universities Commission (NUC) to  regulate and monitor admission quota for professional courses in universities across the country.

This followed a meeting with the leadership of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) represented by the Registrar Prof. Tosan Erhabor by NANS Senate President Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez yesterday.

The meeting highlighted the issue of indexing using the situation at Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma as a case study. 

The council clarified that the backlog in indexing is primarily due to some institutions admitting more students than the quota allocated by the council. 

However, a statement by Afeez urged NUC to take immediate and decisive action to ensure that universities adhere strictly to the admission quota set by professional bodies, adding that it is imperative that the quota is  respected to prevent the oversaturation of students in programmes that cannot support their professional development and licensing.

“It is alarming that certain university administrations admit more students than they can adequately train, fully aware that these students will not be able to obtain the necessary licences to practise upon graduation. This malpractice has created a dire situation where many students, particularly those in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) programmes, have been left in limbo. Some MLS graduates have been unable to write their professional exams or gain indexing, despite having completed their studies as far back as seven years ago.

“We demand that university managements comply with these quotas and prioritize the welfare and future of their students by ensuring they are only admitted into programs that can adequately support their training and professional licensing.

The plight of MLS students across the country is a stark example of the consequences of ignoring professional admission quotas. These students have been unfairly treated and their futures jeopardized by the very institutions that were supposed to guide them towards successful careers,” NANS said.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for transparency in the implementation of the student loan scheme.

This is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Abeokuta by the National President of NANS, Mr Pedro Obi, who urged the Federal government to appoint individuals of unquestionable integrity and competence to oversee the scheme.

This, the NANS national president said, would not only ensure the success of the scheme but also guarantee its sustainability.

While commending President Bola Tinubu’s administration for initiating the student loan scheme, Obi called on the government to engage all relevant stakeholders in the implementation of the scheme.

Read Also: NANS appoints director on fake certificates  from Benin, Togo institutions  

” The loan if properly implemented will not only alleviate the financial burdens faced by many students and their families, but is capable of ending the mass exodus of Nigerian students outside the country for studies.

“To ensure the success and integrity of the student loan scheme, we urge the Federal government to prioritise transparency and accountability in the disbursement of the loans.

” This must be done by engaging all relevant stakeholders.

“We also urge the government to put in place transparent and effective monitoring mechanisms to track the disbursement process and ensure that funds are allocated appropriately.

” This includes regular audits, public reporting, and feedback channels for students to report any issues or irregularities.

“The loan scheme should be designed to be inclusive and accessible to all eligible students, regardless of their socio-economic background,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Amended Student Loan Bill was passed by the National Assembly into law on March 20 and President Bola Tinubu assented to it on April 3. (NAN) 

National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appointed Joshua Olakunle  director of West Africa Affairs in the Office of NANS National Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez.

This is to address suspension of recognition of certificates from universities in Benin and Togo.

A statement by Adejuwon Emmanuel, Media and Public Relations Officer for Afeez,  noted Olakunle  would ensure standard of academic activities for Nigerian students in West Africa, advocate their rights, address concerns, and foster an environment that promotes excellence and  development.

Read Also: Obasanjo eulogises Ekiti REC Ayoka Adebayo

“The appointee  will  engage with educational authorities in Benin, Togo, and Nigeria, to discuss and negotiate terms for lifting the suspension. This is to ensure that academic achievements of our students are recognised and valued.

The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has commended the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for resolving its internal conflicts.

The factional leadership of NANS, previously led by the former Senate president, Ekudina Elvis, has now aligned with and endorsed the legitimate leadership of NANS, led by Comr. Lucky Emonefe as President and Akinteye Babatunde Afeez as Senate President.

Ekudina stated that the prolonged leadership crisis has been successfully resolved, with Emonefe recognized as the genuine NANS president, and all other factions agreeing to collaborate with him in the best interest of Nigerian students.

Read Also: NANS resolves disputes, as factional senate president steps down

In a statement signed by the deputy national president of NAUS, Comr Babalola Daniel said the resolution will enable all students to have one voice which will foster unity, cohesion, and development.

“We commend the leadership of NANS for this great milestone achieved in unifying the body, as this will give all students one voice, especially Nigerian students.

“We congratulate the President and Senate President and the other executives of NANS, and we charge them to keep protecting the interests of all Nigerian students at all costs,” he said.

The factional Senate president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ekundayo Elvis has stepped down and joined forces with the Lucky Emonefe led NANS. 

Elvis said he decided to join forces with the Emonefe’s group in the interest of peace and unity of Nigerian students.

At a press conference on Friday, May 24, Elvis announced the stepping down of the defunt group to work with the Lucky Emonefe faction.

In December last year, the NANS election produced two factional presidents led by Comrade Pedro Chibuzor Obi and Emonefe. 

Elvis said the reason for the stepping down was for a purposeful leadership demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu who kept to his campaign promises to youth and students.

He added that these promises culminated in the signing of the student loan for indigent students and would not want any students to be deprived as a result of rift in the association.

Elvis maintained that henceforth, NANS would be under one umbrella body of students both at home and in the diaspora.

He said: “Let me also state that it is on record that we are not pressured by anybody or any individual in making this decision but rather, the interest of our constituents.”

Read Also: NANS, NAUS, NAPTAN, others applaud Fed Govt on Student Loan Scheme

NANS president, Emonefe said tthe stepping down of the defunct faction marked a new beginning of good things to happen in the association.

Emonefe called for the support of all members of the association to help the national leadership perform with national goal and interest of peace and progress of the people in focus.

He said: “From now henceforth, NANS is one, we will speak in one voice and we will carry the Nigerian students along. 

“The defunt president is not cajole to do this but because students need to benefit, we must come together. 

“This is an internal issue, we disagree to agree. Now Nigerian students is one leadership and we will be united to continuously advocate specially for the interest and yearnings of Nigerian students.”

The NANS Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye, pledged that moving forward, the association would work towards ensuring lasting peace in its processes.

He also pledged that the association would come together to avoid any situations of factional group that would emanate during its convention and elections.