The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), on Friday, warned any individuals parading themselves as the president and leaders of the association to desist, urging them to stop distracting the organisation from its mandate of true student representation.
The student body described the individual’s actions as a form of misinformation aimed at dividing the association and undermining its unity.
The statement signed by NANS Assistant Secretary General, Olatunji Adejuwon, noted that the individual is not recognised as a legitimate leader and is instead acting for personal gain and financial reward.
The association criticised the individual’s consistent attacks on government officials, particularly Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and others, describing it as a calculated attempt to exploit the current political landscape.
NANS emphasised that the organisation’s strength lies in its structures and democratic processes, and urged the media and stakeholders to engage with the real structures of the organisation, rather than amplifying the claims of the self-acclaimed president.
The association reiterated its commitment to true student representation and its determination to protect the unity and dignity of the Nigerian student community.
The body called on genuine comrades to remain focused and united, emphasising that the organisation’s mission is too important to be derailed by distractions.
The association warned that it will not allow itself to be reduced to a tool in the hands of a few individuals with ulterior motives.
He said: “It is with a strong sense of responsibility that we respond to the recent wave of misleading narratives and sponsored misinformation targeted at dividing the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and distracting us from our mandate of true student representation.
“We will not sit back and allow the dignity and unity of the Nigerian student community to be undermined by a lone ranger whose sole objective is to create disunity and confusion for personal gain and political manipulation.
“Let it be clearly stated that the individual parading himself as the President of NANS is neither backed by a legitimate structure nor recognised by any known process of election within the association.
“This individual, sponsored by self-serving political actors, is nothing but a tool in the hands of external forces who are threatened by the power, unity, and rising influence of Nigerian students.
“They know that a united NANS is a formidable force capable of holding anyone accountable, so their only mission is to divide us.
“This character is not acting on behalf of Nigerian students; he is acting for money. 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?
“If truly a sitting NANS President was assaulted or beaten up, would the entire student community remain silent? Would campuses not have shut down in protest? Would national streets not be filled with agitations? We know NANS. We know our history. No legitimate President of NANS is accessible in that manner or can be touched without triggering a wave of national reactions from the student body. His claims are simply not adding up.
“Furthermore, his emergence is not only suspicious but outright illegitimate. Where is the evidence of form purchase? Was he screened by the appropriate committees and security agencies as required? Did he attend any convention? Where are the photos, videos, or official records to support his claim to leadership? And more importantly, where are his elected executive members? NANS is not a one-man show. It is governed by procedures, guided by our constitution, and driven by collective leadership. This individual is acting alone and clearly for the wrong reasons.
“We urge all genuine comrades across Nigeria to remain focused and united. The mission of NANS is too important to be derailed by distractions. Our voice is strong, our structure is intact, and our resolve is unshakable. We are not for sale”.
