The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has warned the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Israel, against organising political programmes in tertiary institutions without engaging recognised student leadership structures.

The warning was contained in a statement issued by the Forum of NANS Zonal Coordinators, which accused the APC youth leader of planning to hold political activities across campuses in collaboration with some state governments while allegedly sidelining NANS executives, Joint Campus Committee (JCC) leaders and Students’ Union governments.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Forum and NANS Zone C Coordinator, Hussaini Jamilu Ebbo; General Secretary and Zone F Coordinator, Emmanuel Ekecheukwu Iyke; Public Relations Officer and Zone A Coordinator, Nuruddeen Baba Waziri; Zone B Coordinator, Victor Ogoechukwu Anthony; Zone D Coordinator, Josiah Kayode Adeyemo; and Zone E Coordinator, Muhammed Muazu Hina.

The forum described the reported move as unacceptable, insisting that Nigerian students must not be treated as instruments for political mobilisation or fundraising without the involvement of their elected representatives.

According to the coordinators, any political engagement involving students or taking place within tertiary institutions must be preceded by consultations with recognised student leaders and relevant institutional authorities.

“Our concern is not about seeking political recognition or patronage. It is about transparency, accountability, proper coordination and, above all, the safety of students,” the statement read.

The student leaders expressed concern that with the 2027 general elections approaching and political tensions rising in parts of the country, campuses should not be exposed to partisan rivalry, political violence or security threats.

They warned against turning higher institutions into political mobilisation grounds, saying such activities could undermine the welfare, security and academic environment of students.

“We specifically caution Dayo Israel against turning campuses into political mobilisation grounds while sidelining the structures responsible for the welfare and security of students. The student constituency must not be exploited for political advantage or used as a platform for accessing public funds without openness and genuine participation,” the statement added.

The forum also appealed to state governments and managements of tertiary institutions to prioritise students’ safety and academic stability over political interests.

It urged university authorities not to approve politically sensitive programmes on campuses without adequate security assessment, institutional neutrality and consultation with recognised student leadership.

While reaffirming its readiness to engage constructively with political parties and other stakeholders, the forum maintained that it would resist any attempt to exploit or endanger students under the guise of youth engagement.

“Our campuses are centres of learning, not political feeding grounds,” the statement declared.