#Sister Student Bodies Clarify CNG Bus Distribution Amid NANS Controversy

The National Association of University Students (NAUS), National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), and National Association of College of Education Students (NANCES) have issued a statement to clarify the distribution process of the Federal Government’s CNG buses intended to alleviate the effects of the petrol subsidy removal.

There have been reports that some executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) are requesting the CNG buses for their use, claiming they would be beneficial for their offices. However, the three sister bodies have refuted claims of an uneven distribution, asserting that the buses were fairly allocated across the various structures of NANS.

In their response, the student organizations explained that the NANS structure goes beyond the National Executive and Senate, including important bodies such as NAPS, NAUS, NANCES, six Zonal Coordinators, and 37 Joint Campus Council (JCC) Chairmen representing each state, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Key points from the response include:

1. The distribution formula of the CNG buses was equitable, ensuring fair representation across NANS structures, including one bus for each of the three sister bodies—NAPS, NAUS, and NANCES—along with one bus for each Zonal Coordinator to operate within their zones.
2. The statement also encouraged National Executives of NANS to focus on the proper management of the buses already assigned to their respective zones and secretariats, rather than seeking additional allocations for individuals.
3. NANS leaders, including the National President and Senate President, were urged to address any grievances through peaceful dialogue rather than public outcry.
4. The student bodies reassured the public that the CNG bus distribution adhered to NANS traditions and was conducted transparently, with the interests of all student sectors in mind.
5. They also commended the leadership of NANS under Comrade Lucky Emonefe and Sen. Akinteye Babatunde for ensuring transparency not just in the distribution of the buses but also in handling other student welfare initiatives from the Federal Government and other agencies.
6. Lastly, the three student organizations affirmed their role as critical voices within NANS, always holding the National body accountable when actions or inactions conflict with the interests of Nigerian students. However, they praised the current administration’s fairness in the CNG bus distribution.

This clarification comes amid growing tension within the NANS leadership over the allocation of government palliatives.