The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) have cautioned student groups across Ogun State against lending support or endorsements to political actors contesting for elective positions.
The student leaders frowned at the growing trend, describing political endorsement by student bodies as inappropriate and contrary to the core purpose of student unionism. They stressed that students are not political tools and should avoid involvement in partisan activities.
This position was made known by the National Vice President of NANS in charge of Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, Akinbodunse Sileola Felicia, alongside the National President of NAOSS, Olubodun Olalekan.
Both leaders jointly issued the warning in a statement released on Wednesday, the 21st of January, 2026.
According to the duo, the primary responsibility of students is to pursue academic excellence and personal development, rather than allowing themselves to be drawn into political schemes.
They maintained that student associations must resist being manipulated by politicians and instead remain committed to protecting the educational interests of students across the state.
The statement reads in part, “We want to urge students in the state to avoid partisan politics; rather, they should prioritize their academic endeavors. We’re committed to promoting students’ interests and ensuring they have the best possible environment to succeed.
“We will continue to work with the state government to promote education and student welfare. The associations believe that students should not be swayed by politicians seeking to exploit them for their own gain. Instead, they should channel their energy into academic excellence and contribute positively to society.
“Our associations will continue to promote a culture of academic excellence and discourage any form of partisan politics among students in the state. NANS and NAOSS urge all student associations to join us in rejecting politicians’ attempts to manipulate students for their own interests.
“By staying focused on their studies, Ogun State students can achieve greatness and contribute to the state’s development. Our stance is clear: students first, politics later.”
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While reiterating their neutral stance on partisan politics, the associations applauded the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun for what they described as notable improvements in the education sector, particularly in creating an enabling environment for learning.
They highlighted several policy initiatives of the Abiodun-led government that have positively impacted education, including structural reforms aimed at improving career progression for educators.
“Governor Abiodun’s administration has made significant strides in education development, including signing into laws the appointment of Principals-General and Headmasters-General, allowing teachers to attain positions equivalent to that of Permanent Secretary in the mainstream civil service.
“We also commend Governor Abiodun-led administration for its ability to reconstruct over 1,600 kilometres road since 2019. His recent disclosure at the inauguration of the 3-Km Wole Soyinka Train Station in Abeokuta, that no fewer than 20 already finished roads were awaiting commissioning was a positive development.
“While NANS and NAOSS applaud the synergy between the Ogun State government and the federal government on the reconstruction of key roads in the state, we are excited that Governor Abiodun-led administration will embark on commissioning of at least one road project every week across Ogun for the next two month”.