The Forum of Zonal Coordinators of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Israel, to suspend plans to hold political activities within tertiary institutions across the country.
The student body said university and college campuses should remain free from partisan politics to prevent actions that could create tension or disrupt academic activities.
In a statement signed by the forum’s Chairman, Comrade Hussaini Jamilu Ebbo, and Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ikechukwu Iyke, the coordinators stressed that any political engagement involving students should only be conducted after proper consultation with the recognised leadership of the student community.
They maintained that students should neither be used as political tools nor be excluded from programmes intended to benefit them.
The forum also appealed to state governments and the management of higher institutions to prioritise the safety, welfare and academic interests of students by ensuring that politically sensitive events are carefully assessed before being approved.
According to the group, no tertiary institution should host partisan programmes without adequate security evaluation, institutional neutrality and engagement with student representatives.
While expressing willingness to engage with political parties and other stakeholders, the forum insisted it would oppose any initiative that could undermine students’ interests or compromise their safety.
The student leaders also emphasised the need for transparency, accountability and proper consultation in matters affecting Nigerian students, insisting that their recognised representatives must be included in decisions concerning their constituency.
