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Tag: National Association of Nigerian Students

  • Kadpoly no longer conducive for learning – NANS

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared that, Kaduna Polytechnic is no longer conducive for learning.

    The umbrella union of the Nigerian students, which gave the dilapidated infrastructures at the polytechnic as reason however called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency intervene and safe the polytechnic’s infrastructure from total decay.

    NANS Assistant Secretary General, Comrade Abdulmajeed Oyeniyi made this declaration while addressing newsmen alongside the Senate President of National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Comrade Adekanbi Sunday at the main campus of the polytechnic on Tuesday.

    Oyeniyi who is also the Chairman of NANS Campus Welfarism Committee said, the level of Infrastructural dilapidation in Kaduna Polytechnic has gone beyond the capacity of the school management, hence the need for Federal Government intervention.

    According to him, “After vigorous inspection and interview of the residential students in the institution, we want to use this medium to call on the Federal Government to address the dilapidated infrastructures, most especially hostels on the campuses of Kaduna Polytechnic

    “Meeting the management of the institution, we observed high sense of commitment to academic excellence, security, reviving the dilapidated infrastructures, establishment of Centre of Technology Development and to create job through entrepreneurship skills.

    “The efforts of management in turning around the fortunes of Kaduna Polytechnic are in fact worthy of emulation. But, the level of infrastructural dilapidation in the institution is beyond the capacity of the management.

    “We therefore call on all prominent alumni of Kaduna Polytechnic to come to our aide, as the institution is no longer conducive for learning.” He said.

    The students’ union leaders however conducted newsmen round some of the dilapidated structures at the Tudun Wada main campus of the institution.

  • NANS cautions students against spreading false information

    NANS cautions students against spreading false information

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

    NANS National Public Relations Officer, Bestman Okereafor, stated this in Enugu.

    Okereafor said students should desist from spreading false information through the social media on incidences that do not exist, as the practice was capable of endangering the relative peace being enjoyed in the country.

    “The attention of the apex students’ governing body under the auspices of NANS has been drawn to a purported voice note and old pictures of an attack that happened in Ogun in circulation.

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

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

    “Gov. Ibikunle Amosun has over the years made security a priority in the government’s agenda, which indeed has fetched him several awards and laurels,’’ he said.

    The NANS spokesman said that the association had confidence on the Ogun State Police Command.

    “So, the purported voice note and pictures about herdsmen attack along the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, currently in circulation is not true and totally false and should be disregarded by the public.

    “Furthermore, students should endeavour not to be used as political instruments by some desperate dare devil politicians,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Herdsmen Menace: NANS charges Buhari to step up security

    Herdsmen Menace: NANS charges Buhari to step up security

    The National Association of Nigerian Students  (NANS) has called on President Buhari to step up on security in order to stop the incessant killings by herdsmen.

    Coming after the herdsmen attack on Taraba state, the students’ body declared that the Cattle Colony proposed by the federal government is dead on arrival and would not hold as government have no right in placing priority in any group of farmers.

    The NANS President, Comrade Chinonso Obasi who stated this while speaking to newsmen in Minna frowned at the delay of government towards ensuring that security is sustained in states that are under the attack of herdsmen.

    He stated that President Buhari need to stop focusing on 2019 and deal with the security issue at hand.

    “A government that cannot proffer security to the people cannot be proud to call itself a government. NANS is charging the President to step up in security, he should stop being presidential and listen to the yearning of the people.

    “There are issues and aot of questions that are being unanswered  and instead of discussing them,  they are busy discussing about 2019 election. It is only those who are alive that will vote in 2019.”

    Speaking on the Cattle Colony proposed by the federal government, he said that government have no business doing business pointing that cattle rustling is a business which is not to be imposed on the people.

    He called on the government to create an enabling business environment and leave how to run the business to individuals saying that,  “a farmer is a farmer. Cattle rearing is farming and there should not be any priority placed on any group of farmers. Imposing cattle herdsmen on the people is not the way forward.

    “Every geopolitical zone have it’s own way of farming. If any farmer finds a place habitable, he should negotiate with the owners of the land and if they are satisfied, he can do his business there. Cattle colony will not work.”

    Obasi also declared that the people are tired of the strategies being talked about by the military and the police stressing on the need to move beyond strategies to action,  “we are tired of hearing the strategies the military and police are bringing to place, we want to see actions in terms of security. ”

    He then charged the President to implement the 2014 National Conference report stating that it would proffer a lasting solution to the insecurity issues bedeviling the Nation.

     

  • 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 sets up monitoring team on petrol prices, sales

    NANS sets up monitoring team on petrol prices, sales

    The National Association of Nigerian Students ( NANS ), has set up a monitoring team on petrol pricing, distribution and sales, its President, Mr Chinonso Obasi has said.

    Obasi, in a statement made available on Monday in Abuja, said Nigerians were facing hardship imposed on them by profiteers.

    He regretted that Nigerians during the Yuletide experienced challenges by paying over 300 per cent hike in transport fares moving for both Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    According to him, the hardship has not abated as Nigerians still buy petrol at N250 per litre in some places.

    He called on Nigerians to resist the rip-off and also reject any hike in petrol price.

    “It is an undeniable fact that petrol is being sold at prices inimical to the economic well-being of consumers; across the nation, the prices rather than decreasing is increasing. This is totally unacceptable.

    Read also: NANS describes killings as ‘cruel’, condoles with victims, government

    “No doubt, in spite of the availability of the petrol, many unmerited yet unexplainable reasons have been given as excuses for this unabated exploitation.

    “As the official pump price remains at N145, we urge Nigerians not to pay more; the NNPC and the independent marketers should urgently resolve this hardship and assure Nigerians that their days of worries over petroleum prices are a priority.

    “To this end, we hereby announce the setting up of NANS Task Force Committee on Compliance on Petroleum Distribution, Pricing and Sales.’’

    He said Nigerians could no longer continue to bear the brunt of the activities of saboteurs.

    He said the committee would begin work immediately and was saddled with the responsibility of working with government agencies willing to ensure compliance.

    “NANS wishes to solidarise with Nigerians by condemning this man made hardship imposed on Nigerians and unreservedly call on the Department of Petroleum Products and Public Procurement Regulatory Authority to swiftly halt the exploitation of Nigerians,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • NANS describes killings as ‘cruel’, condoles with victims, government

    NANS describes killings as ‘cruel’, condoles with victims, government

    The National Association of Nigerian Students ( NANS ), has described the alleged herdsmen killings in Benue communities as “heartless and cruel.”

    The association’s National Public Relations Officer, Mr Bestman Okereafor, in a statement made available in Enugu on Monday, condemned the action in its totality.

    “We totally condemn the attack and its accompanying hardship on the victims and affected communities in Benue.

    Read also: IYC condemns killing, violence in NANS election

    “NANS condemns in all totality the New Year alleged herdsmen attack on residents of Benue, leaving at least 33 people dead and several others injured, thereby causing residents to flee the state to seek refuge in Nasarawa State.

    “We consider the lots of heartless and cruel activities of the alleged herdsmen as a threat to our democratic process.

    “NANS condoles with families, relatives of affected victims and Benue Government over the recent killings in some communities in the state.

    “We pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,’’ Okereafor said.

    He, however, urged security agents to promptly bring the perpetrators to book.

    NAN

  • VC vows to stamp out cultism in Anambra varsity

    VC vows to stamp out cultism in Anambra varsity

    Prof. Fidelis Okafor, Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University ( COOU ), Anambra, on Wednesday restated his commitment to stamp out cultism and other social vices from the institution.

    Okafor made the pledge when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students ( NANS ), Zone ‘B’, paid him a visit at the Igbariam campus of the university.

    He said the institution would continue to provide opportunities for cult members to renounce their membership as well as provide counseling to them.

    Okafor, however, warned that those who refused to renounce their membership of various cult groups would face the wrath of the law.

    Read also: Three Oduduwa Varsity students remanded in prison for ‘cultism’

    He urged parents and guardians to monitor their wards, and also advised students against indulging in acts that would “spell doom” for them, especially during the Yuletide.

    The vice chancellor also promised to ensure that the institution sustained its achievements in research and learning as well as provide support to NANS.

    The Coordinator, NANS Zone ‘B’, Mr Kenneth Okeke, said the delegation was in the institution to solicit support in the area of curbing cultism, prostitution, examination malpractice and other vices from campuses.

    Okeke, who was elected at the November convention of the body in Yenegoa, said his administration which would last for one year, also targeted improved condition for students in the zone.

    He commended the vice chancellor for the infrastructure development of the institution.

    NAN

  • The National Association of Nigeria‎n Students (NANS), has written to President Muhammadu Buhari, calling for an open public investigation into looted pension fund.

    In a letter to the President dated November 2, 2017 and signed by its President, Comrade Aruna Kadiri‎, said‎ though, the decision of the President to disengage Maina from service was as a result of misleading report presented to him by those who supposed to feed him with detailed development across the country.

    The NANS President said, “The decision was hasty and generally not of the interest of Nigerians. As a body of intellectualism, we observed that there is a ganged up against Mr Abdulrasheed Abdullahi Maina who was the chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Taskforce Team, PRTT under the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

    “The PRTT has Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other offenses Related Commission, ICPC, the Department of State Security , DSS, the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Accountant General of the Federation, the Auditor General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Finance among others.

    “We, as Nigerians can not be clouded by the diversionary method of the cabal to shift our minds from the N1.6 trillion to N2.1 billion. We also gathered that, immediately Mr Maina’s PRTT was disbanded, the then government created Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD). PTAD discontinued the on going biometric supervised by the PRTT and got approval of N8bn for the same biometric which up till now, is yet to be carried out.

    “The Director of Finance of Maina’s led PRTT is now the Director of pension in PTAD while Mr Ibrahim Lamorde of the EFCC heads the Police Special Fraud unit in Lagos. We believed that it is not possible for the chairman to steal such huge amount without the finance director and other team members if they actually stole public fund. Nigerians want to know the whereabouts of the N1.6 trillion recovered and the N5.32bn blocked by Mr Maina and his team in the head of service and police.”

    Comrade Kadiri also said, “Since the EFCC and ICPC were members of the Maina’s committee, and as well implicated in the looted treasury, an independent investigative panel be set up to properly investigate the allegations and counter allegations. An investigative panel with live coverage which will boost the anti corruption war of your administration will be highly appreciated by Nigerians.

    “For the sake of justice, equity and fairness, we also advice and recommend that your Excellency immediately reabsorb Mr Maina pending the outcome of the public investigation and if found wanting be properly prosecuted.”

  • NANS loses ex-president, declare a month mourning

    NANS loses ex-president, declare a month mourning

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced the death of its former National President, Mr Dauda Mohammed, 38, due to a protracted illness.

    NANS’ President, Mr Chinonso Obasi, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said Mohammed died on Sunday enroute India where he had gone for medical treatment.

    Obasi said that the mail sent to him by Artemis Group of Hospitals, Delhi, indicated that Mohammed passed on five minutes before landing at Delhi Airport.

    He said that the mail indicated that the hospital would conduct an autopsy on Oct.3 after which his remains would be released for transportation back to Nigeria.

    NAN gathered that Mohammed departed Abuja for India on Sept. 30 to receive treatment for liver cirrhosis.

    According to health experts, cirrhosis is a chronic progressive disease of the liver characterised by the replacement of healthy cells with scar tissue.

    “We declare on month mourning and national action against cancer as we pray God to console his family.

    “We also declare a national action against cancer and appeal to government at all levels to be more proactive on issues pertaining to the health of citizens.

    “Medical facilities in Nigeria should be standardised to enable our medical personnel handle complex forms of sicknesses,’’ Obasi said.

    The NANS president said that Mohammed’s family had been informed of his demise.

    Born in 1979, Mohammed, who was NANS’ President from 2011 to 2012, attended the University of Jos (UNIJOS).

  • NANS want government to provide standard medical facilities

    NANS want government to provide standard medical facilities

    Mr Chinonso Obasi, National President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has called on the Federal and State Governments to provide standard facilities to address medical needs of citizens.

    Obasi made the call at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Friday when the former President of NANS, Mr Dauda Muhammed was flown to India for medical treatment.

    Obasi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the former president had been diagnosed of liver cirrhosis which could not be treated in Nigerian hospitals.

    He decried the poor and lack of standard medical facilities in public health facilities that could handle serious ailments like liver diseases, noting that even Nigerian leaders travel overseas for medical treatment.

    According to him, Niger Government has released 38,000 dollars (about N13.6 million) for the treatment on the request of NANS leadership because Muhammed is from the state.

    “So we are using this opportunity as a case study to plead to the government to ensure that dividends of democracy should be at the reach of ordinary citizens because it is their right.

    “I feel so disappointed in the present state of our medical facilities in the country that we even need to close down Indian Embassy before we were given visa.

    “Do we need to put in a lot of struggles for something that I feel that is the essence of having the government? Government is about the people; government is about making life easier for the citizens.

    “It is not about creating policies, your policies must be policies that are people oriented that must suit the tradition, the culture and way of life for people to live in peace and harmony.

    “At this moment, I am calling on our governments at all levels to prioritise things that could promote people’s wellbeing and lives,’’ he said.

    The NANS president said that concerned students mounted pressure on the Niger government to take the responsibility of Muhammed’s treatment because of government failure to provide access to medical facilities in the country.
    He, however, commended the government for accepting the responsibility, explaining that the patient had a lot to offer Nigeria as a former president of NANS.

    “I want to thank everybody who has come here to wish our president Dauda Muhammed, a.k.a Aluta Capon, former NANS President 2011/2012 farewell.

    “We wish him quick recovery and we do hope that we will pay him a visit to check the extent of treatment he is receiving over there,” he said.

    Obasi said that the student body would continue to demand right policies and better medical facilities for the ordinary citizens of Nigeria.