Cynthia Ezegwu
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has disowned a planned protest reportedly being organized by activist Omoyele Sowore and his associates, cautioning students across the country not to be deceived or used by “selfish and politically motivated individuals.”
NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, stated this on Thursday during a press conference held at the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, Oyo State, alongside zonal and campus leaders of the association.
Oladoja described reports linking NANS to the proposed #FreeNnamdiKanu protest scheduled for October 20 as “false, misleading, and mischievous,” stressing that the association had no connection whatsoever with the planned demonstration.
“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 group or individual,” he said. “The claim is false and designed to drag our noble association into political controversies that do not align with our mandate.”
He reiterated that while NANS remains committed to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, it will not allow its platform to be hijacked by politicians or activists pursuing personal or partisan interests.
“The matter concerning Nnamdi Kanu is a legal issue before a competent court of law. It would therefore be inappropriate, unlawful, and irresponsible for NANS to mobilise any protest on a matter before the judiciary,” he added.
Oladoja accused Sowore and his allies of using NANS’ name to lend credibility to their “politically driven agenda,” and appealed to parents and guardians to caution their wards against participating in any protest not sanctioned by the students’ body.
“These individuals exploit the energy and vulnerability of young people for personal gain while abandoning them when crises erupt,” he warned.
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He also urged security agencies and the media to disregard any reports suggesting that NANS was planning to mobilise for the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, insisting that the association remained “one united and legitimate national students’ movement” with a defined structure and leadership.
Addressing the ongoing industrial dispute between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government, Oladoja urged both parties to reconvene within 72 hours and resolve their differences to prevent further disruption of academic activities.
“Nigerian students cannot continue to suffer for issues they did not create,” he said. “NANS remains a law-abiding and patriotic association committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nigeria.”
NANS, historically known for its influential role in Nigeria’s socio-political space, said its decision to distance itself from the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest was aimed at protecting its institutional integrity and maintaining focus on education, youth development, and national unity.