By Peter Omopo
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has denied any involvement in the planned #FreeNnamdiKanu protest reportedly being organised by activist Omoyele Sowore and his associates, describing the reports as false, misleading, and politically motivated.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday at the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, the NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, said the association had no connection to the proposed protest slated for October 20, warning Nigerian students nationwide not to be deceived or used by individuals pursuing selfish political interests.
“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 politically motivated group or individual,” Oladoja declared.
“The entire claim is mischievous and designed to drag the name of our noble association into political controversies that do not align with our mandate as a student body.”
Oladoja, who addressed the media alongside other zonal and campus leaders, said the briefing was necessary to “set the record straight” and safeguard NANS’s integrity from being exploited by political actors.
He maintained that while the association remains committed to the welfare and rights of Nigerian students, it will not allow its platform to be hijacked for partisan causes.
“NANS believes in the rule of law, due process, and peaceful engagement. The issue concerning Nnamdi Kanu is before a competent court of law. It would therefore be inappropriate and unlawful for NANS to mobilise students for any protest related to the matter,” he said.
Oladoja accused Sowore and his allies of using NANS’ name to lend credibility to their “politically driven agenda,” stressing that the students’ body remains focused on education, youth development, peace, and national unity.
He further appealed to parents and guardians 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 while abandoning them when crises erupt,” he added, urging security agencies and the media to disregard any claim linking NANS to the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest.
On the current face-off between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government following the union’s two-week warning strike, Oladoja called for urgent dialogue.
“We urge ASUU and the Federal Government to reconvene within 72 hours and resolve this dispute. Nigerian students cannot continue to suffer for issues they did not create,” he said.
Reaffirming that NANS remains united, Oladoja dismissed speculations of factionalism within the association, asserting that it operates under a single, legitimate national leadership.
Historically, NANS has played a significant role in Nigeria’s political and social movements, often leading nationwide protests that influenced government decisions. However, Oladoja said the association would not compromise its non-partisan stance, particularly on issues before the judiciary.
He concluded,
“NANS is a law-abiding and patriotic organisation. We will continue to champion the interests of Nigerian students through constructive engagement — not through chaos or politically induced protests.”
