Education

NANS Resolves Leadership Conflict, Commits to Advocating for Student Rights and Privileges

Published by Tope Fakinlede on May 24th, 2024.

NANS Resolves Leadership Conflict, Commits to Advocating for Student Rights and Privileges

The leadership conflict within the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has been resolved as the factional leaders have unified under the leadership of Comrade Lucky Emonefe. This consolidation aims to strengthen their efforts in advocating for the welfare and educational advancement of Nigerian students.

During a joint press conference in Abuja, Comrade Elvis Ekundina, a former factional Senate president of NANS, confirmed that the prolonged leadership dispute has been peacefully settled, and Comrade Lucky Emonefe has been recognized as the legitimate NANS President. All factions have agreed to support Emonefe in promoting the interests of Nigerian students.

Ekundina, accompanied by his Senate Secretariat team including Deputy Senate President Comrade Philip Achagwa and Vice President Jabir Aminu, emphasized that the disunity within NANS had previously deprived students of essential benefits. He stated that the decision to unify was driven by a collective commitment to student welfare and security, prioritizing the needs of their constituents over personal interests.

Reflecting on the events of December 1, 2023, when parallel NANS leaderships emerged during a national convention in Abuja, Ekundina announced his decision to step down in favor of Emonefe’s leadership. This decision was influenced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to supporting youth and students, evidenced by the establishment of the Nigerian Students Loan Fund for financially disadvantaged students.

Ekundina stressed that the move to unify was voluntary and in the best interest of all Nigerian students, ensuring that NANS remains a united body capable of benefiting from significant initiatives like the renewed hope agenda. He reiterated that the primary focus of NANS remains the welfare and rights of Nigerian students, and the leadership is dedicated to this cause.

NANS President, Lucky Emonefe, expressed his satisfaction with the unification, noting that it signifies a unified front ready to advocate for student interests. He highlighted that the resolution of the internal conflict would enable NANS to effectively champion the rights and privileges of Nigerian students with a strong, united voice.