ABUJA – Ahead of the highly anticipated May 24 national convention of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), a leading presidential contender, Olamilekan Alex, has launched a scathing critique of the association’s current trajectory, decrying its perceived transformation into a political tool for the government.
Olamilekan, a prominent student leader from Lagos State University (LASU), issued the warning on Sunday shortly after submitting his expression of interest form in the nation’s capital. He cautioned that the student body is losing its soul to partisan manipulation, a trend he promised to reverse if elected.
Restoring the ‘Great Ife’ Legacy
Positioning himself as a reformist candidate, Olamilekan described his ambition as a rescue mission to “halt the growing madness” of NANS becoming a mere appendage of the state. He invoked the historical “progressive traditions of Great Ife,” promising a return to the era when the association served as a fearless watchdog for the masses.
”NANS must return to its historic role as a vibrant, independent voice for Nigerian students, not a tool in the hands of political authorities,” Olamilekan stated. “The integrity and legacy of our association must be protected at all costs.”
A Crisis of Legitimacy
The aspirant did not mince words regarding the broader political climate, suggesting that government policies perceived as “anti-people” cannot gain legitimacy through the manipulation of student movements or electoral systems.
He called on students across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions to unite against “hardship policies” that he claims are eroding the future of the youth and deepening socio-economic inequality.
The Road to May 24
Founded in 1980 as a successor to the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS), NANS was once a pivotal force in the struggle against military dictatorship. However, in recent years, the body has faced intense public criticism for its proximity to the corridors of power, with critics arguing that leadership tussles are often funded and directed by rival political parties.
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Observers believe the upcoming Abuja convention will be a litmus test for the association’s internal democracy. With campaigns intensifying, Olamilekan’s “principled leadership” platform seeks to tap into a growing desire among the rank-and-file for a return to radical advocacy.
As delegates prepare to converge on Abuja, the central question remains: can NANS reclaim its status as an independent pressure group, or will it remain a stepping stone for career politicians? For Olamilekan, the answer lies in a complete systemic overhaul.
