The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has denied involvement in a planned protest reportedly organised by activist Omoyele Sowore and his associates, warning students nationwide not to be deceived or used by “selfish and politically motivated individuals.”
Addressing journalists on Thursday at the Federal Cooperative College in Ibadan, Oyo State, NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, described reports linking the association to the proposed #FreeNnamdiKanu protest slated for October 20 as false, misleading, and mischievous.
Flanked by zonal and campus leaders, Oladoja said the national leadership called the press briefing to set the record straight and defend the association’s integrity.
“We wish to state categorically and unequivocally that NANS is not, and will not be, part of any protest organised or influenced by Sowore or any politically motivated group or individual. The claim is false and designed to drag the name of our noble association into controversies that do not align with our mandate,” he said.
He stressed that while NANS remains committed to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, it would not allow its platform to be hijacked by individuals pursuing personal or partisan interests.
“The matter concerning Nnamdi Kanu is before a competent court of law. It would therefore be inappropriate and unlawful for NANS to mobilise any protest on a judicial issue,” Oladoja stated.
The NANS president accused Sowore and his allies of attempting to use the association’s name to gain credibility for what he termed a “politically driven agenda.” He reiterated that NANS would continue to focus on education, youth development, peace, and national unity.
Oladoja also appealed to parents and guardians to caution their children against joining any protest “sponsored by greedy and self-serving politicians,” urging security agencies and the media to disregard claims linking NANS to the planned demonstration.
He further clarified that NANS remains a united national movement without any internal factions, with a clear leadership structure.
On the ongoing face-off between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government, Oladoja urged both parties to return to the negotiation table within 72 hours to resolve their differences.
“Nigerian students cannot continue to suffer for issues they did not create,” he said.
Oladoja reaffirmed that NANS remains a law-abiding and patriotic organisation committed to promoting peace and progress through dialogue, not “chaos or politically induced protests.”
By distancing itself from the planned #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, NANS seeks to safeguard its institutional credibility and avoid being drawn into politically sensitive disputes outside its core mandate.
Post comments (0)