NANS Distances Self From #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest, Cautions Students Against Political Manipulation
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has dissociated itself from the planned #FreeNnamdiKanu protest allegedly being spearheaded by activist Omoyele Sowore and his associates, warning students nationwide not to be lured into politically motivated agitations.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Thursday, the NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, described reports linking the students’ body to the proposed protest slated for October 20 as “false, misleading, and mischievous.”
Oladoja, flanked by zonal and campus leaders of the association, said the briefing was necessary to set the record straight and shield NANS from attempts by politicians to exploit its platform for partisan ends.
“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 other politically motivated individual or group,” he declared. “The entire claim is false and intended to drag our noble association into controversies that do not align with our mandate as a student body.”
The NANS president reaffirmed the association’s commitment to the rule of law, due process, and peaceful engagement, adding that NANS would not involve itself in any agitation relating to the ongoing legal proceedings involving the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
“The matter concerning Kanu is before a competent court of law. It would therefore be inappropriate and irresponsible for NANS to mobilise students over a judicial issue,” Oladoja stressed.
He accused Sowore and his allies of dropping the NANS name to lend credibility to what he termed “a politically driven agenda,” adding that the association remains focused on education, youth development, and national unity rather than partisan politics.
The student leader further appealed to parents and guardians across the country to caution their wards against participating in any protest “sponsored by greedy and self-serving politicians.”
“These individuals exploit the energy and vulnerability of young people for personal gain, only to abandon them when crises erupt,” he said.
Oladoja also addressed the lingering face-off between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government, urging both parties to resume talks within 72 hours to avert further hardship for students.
“We have done our findings and identified the problem. We therefore call on ASUU and the Federal Government to return to the negotiation table immediately. Nigerian students cannot continue to suffer for disputes they did not initiate,” he stated.
He emphasised that there was no factional crisis within NANS, insisting that the association remained “one united and legitimate students’ movement” with a defined structure and leadership.
