₦airaland Forum

THE NEED TO RECLAIM THE TRUE SPIRIT OF NANS: A CALL TO ACTION FOR NIGERIAN STUDENTS

Great Nigerian Students!
Articulated Nigerian Students!
I greet you all with the true spirit of Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta!

I remain my humble self, Comrade Nurudeen Mustapha Muftau.

It is with a heavy heart, yet with strong conviction, that I write this piece to address the concerning factionalism and unacceptable activities currently plaguing the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). We must ask ourselves the following critical questions:

1. What is NANS all about?
2. Who are those who constitute NANS?
3. What are the true functions of NANS?
4. Is NANS fighting for the government or standing as the voice of Nigerian students?

These questions demand honest reflection and action.

It is disheartening to witness that today, many who claim to represent NANS have strayed far from its founding mission. Rather than being a vibrant platform for advocacy, agitation, and protection of students’ rights, NANS has sadly become a tool for politicians, a breeding ground for opportunism, and, for some, a shortcut to wealth and fame. Some individuals now use NANS not as a force for change, but as a vehicle for personal ambition and political propaganda.

Fellow Nigerian students, the supposed leaders of tomorrow, this is the time to wake up from slumber. We must stand tall and reclaim the noble identity of the student movement. We must say No! to being used as political thugs or pawns in a game that does not serve our future. We must revive the activism, unity, and voice that once made NANS a formidable force in Nigerian civil society.

Let us examine the NELFUND scheme as a case in point. What was introduced as a lifeline to support Nigerian students has turned into a mechanism of exploitation. Despite federal assurances that tuition fees would not rise, many institutions have hiked their fees without consequence. Worse still, over ₦71.2 billion has reportedly gone missing from the ₦100 billion budget allocated to NELFUND. Where is the outrage from student leaders? Where is the protest? Sadly, many have been silenced by the comfort of brown envelopes, their voices traded for personal gain.

Let it be known today that I, Comrade Nurudeen Mustapha Muftau, pledge allegiance to no political party. My loyalty lies with the Nigerian students — the future leaders of this great nation. I stand firm in the belief that the primary mission of NANS is to defend, advocate for, and represent the interests of students across all campuses.

Let us return to the roots. Let us rebuild NANS into a structure of integrity, courage, and purpose. Let us speak truth to power, stand against injustice, and build a better future for all students.

God bless the leaders of tomorrow.
God bless Nigerian students.
God bless Zamfara State.
God bless the North-West.
And God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta!

© Comrade Nurudeen Mustapha Muftau
nurudeenmmuftau@gmail.com