NANS protest denial confirms it is not part of the FreeNnamdiKanu protest, warning students against politically motivated manipulation

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has firmly distanced itself from the planned FreeNnamdiKanu protest reportedly being spearheaded by activist Omoyele Sowore, warning Nigerian students not to be misled by what it described as “selfish and politically motivated individuals.”

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At a press briefing in Ibadan on Thursday, NANS President Olushola Oladoja declared that the association had no involvement whatsoever in the protest scheduled for October 20, clarifying that recent reports suggesting otherwise were false, mischievous, and misleading.

Flanked by zonal and campus leaders at the Federal Cooperative College, Oladoja emphasised the need to set the record straight and safeguard the integrity of NANS from being drawn into political controversies.

“NANS is not, and will not be, part of any protest organised or influenced by Sowore or any other politically motivated group,” he stated. “Our mandate remains clear—defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, not acting as tools for partisan agendas.”

While acknowledging the legal complexities surrounding the detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Oladoja maintained that it would be inappropriate and unlawful for NANS to participate in protests on matters still under judicial consideration.

He further accused Sowore and his allies of falsely using NANS’ name to lend credibility to a movement that does not represent the interests of Nigerian students.

“These individuals exploit the energy and vulnerability of young people for personal gain, only to abandon them when crises erupt,” he warned, calling on parents, guardians, and students to resist any attempts at manipulation.

Oladoja also used the opportunity to reaffirm that NANS remains united, denying any suggestion of internal division or factionalism.

Turning to other pressing issues, the NANS president urged both the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government to resolve their ongoing dispute, following ASUU’s recent two-week warning strike.

“Nigerian students cannot continue to suffer for issues they did not create. We call on both parties to return to the negotiation table within 72 hours.”

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He concluded by reaffirming NANS’s commitment to constructive engagement, peace, and national progress, stressing that the association would continue to be a powerful but responsible voice for Nigerian youth.