2025 NANS Convention: Setting The Record Straight- Ekundina Segun Elvis

To Whom It May Concern,

We, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), write to address a recent incident that has caused confusion and misrepresentation of our organization. It has come to our notice that Mr. Atiku Abubakar Isah, in an attempt to justify the funds he collected, has been impersonating and parading himself as the President of NANS. This claim is entirely false and baseless.

THE TRUTH ABOUT NANS LEADERSHIP

Comrade Olushola Oladoja is the legitimate President of NANS, elected through a democratic process at our recent convention. Atiku Abubakar Isah neither contested nor participated in the convention. According to our constitution, one must have held an elective office in NANS to be eligible for the presidency, which Atiku Abubakar Isah does not meet. We find it astonishing that he would claim to be the President of NANS when he has no affiliation with our organization.

REJECTION OF POLITICIZATION

NANS is a non-partisan organization focused on advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students. We reject attempts to politicize our organization or use our name for personal gain or political purposes. Our primary goal is to ensure an enabling academic environment for learning and personal growth, and we will not be swayed by political agendas.

CONDEMNATION OF ATIKU’S ACTIONS

Atiku Abubakar Isah’s actions are a clear case of impersonation and extortion. We demand that he returns the funds collected under false pretenses and ceases to misrepresent NANS. We urge him to stop using our organization’s name to deceive and exploit innocent people. As the PRO of the just-concluded Convention, I have photos of all the aspirants who participated in the screening exercise and the election, and Atiku Abubakar Isah was nowhere to be found.

DEFENSE OF SEYI TINUBU

We also want to clarify that Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has no special interest in NANS affairs. His support for Nigerian students is genuine and philanthropic, evident in his empowerment initiatives and response to crises like the North Eastern flood disaster. We commend him for his efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of Nigerian youths and students.

CALL TO ACTION

We urge all individuals and groups to respect NANS’ autonomy and refrain from using our name for malicious purposes. We will take necessary actions to protect our organization’s integrity and ensure that those who attempt to undermine us are held accountable. We call on all Nigerian youths to join us in rejecting attempts to politicize our organization and to support our efforts to promote am enabling academic environment.

COMMITMENT TO WELFARE OF STUDENT

NANS remains dedicated to serving the interests of students across Nigeria, without bias or favoritism. We will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit our members and promote their welfare. We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of Nigerian students, and we will not be deterred by attempts to undermine our efforts.

In conclusion, we reiterate that Comrade Olushola Oladoja is the legitimate President of NANS, and Atiku Abubakar Isah’s claims are baseless and false. We urge everyone to support our efforts to promote an enabling academic environment and reject attempts to politicize our organization.

Sincerely Yours in nation building,

Ekundina Segun Elvis, who is the
Immediate Past Public Relations Officer, Convention Planning Committee 2025 Convention, writes from Abuja