The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has distanced itself from a proposed #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, allegedly being organized by activist Omoyele Sowore and his associates. In a press conference held at the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, NANS President Olushola Oladoja clarified that the association has no link to the planned demonstration and warned students not to be misled by politically motivated individuals.
Oladoja, who was joined by several zonal and campus leaders, described the reports connecting NANS to the protest as false and mischievous, insisting that the association’s name was being used without authorization. “We are not part of any protest influenced by Sowore or any politically driven group,” he said, emphasizing that NANS would not be drawn into issues outside its student-centered objectives.
According to him, the case involving Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is a legal matter before the courts, and as such, it would be unlawful and irresponsible for the student body to take part in protests relating to an ongoing judicial process. He maintained that NANS stands for rule of law, due process, and peaceful dialogue, not chaos or political manipulation.
The student leader accused Sowore and his allies of attempting to use the association’s credibility to gain political relevance, warning students nationwide to stay away from any protest “sponsored by greedy and self-serving politicians.” Oladoja also appealed to parents and guardians to caution their children against participating, noting that such protests often expose young people to unnecessary risks.
Addressing other national issues, the NANS President urged both the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government to end their ongoing dispute, which has already led to a two-week warning strike. He stressed that Nigerian students should not continue to suffer disruptions in their education. “NANS remains a united, law-abiding, and patriotic association committed to peace, progress, and the welfare of Nigerian students,” he added.
