The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has embarked on significant partnerships with both the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to tackle pressing issues affecting students.
These collaborations are aimed at addressing issues of drug abuse, cybercrime, corruption, and other social vices among students across the country.
During a solidarity visit to the NDLEA Lagos Zonal Command, the Zonal Commander, Dr. Segun Oke, highlighted the critical role students play in combating drug abuse.
He emphasised that students are supposed to be the mouthpiece of the Agency’s campaign against drug abuse, noting that the severe impact of drug abuse on the youth population has become worrisome.
Advocating the need for effective communication and reorientation, Dr Oke described the students body as a crucial stakeholder in the sensitization of students and youths in the fight against anti-social behaviours.
In his remarks, Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, Clerk of the Senate, NANS Headquarters, called for stakeholders anti-drug walks and campaigns across campuses to enlighten students on the dangers of drug abuse, saying the partnership would mark a bold step towards ensuring a drug-free community.
“This collaboration signifies a crucial stride towards fostering a drug-free environment on campuses and empowering students to resist the lure of drug abuse,” Uthman expressed.
Uthman who also commended the NDLEA for their efforts in ensuring healthy living through the arrest of drug dealers and the destruction of illicit drugs, expressed optimism that the partnership would strengthen the efforts of the student body in making campuses free from drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
“We appreciate the hands of friendship as it came at a very important time when the abuse of drugs is on the rise. We are also planning to organise a national summit against Drug Abuse to commemorate the 2024 International Day against Drug Abuse and we will invite the NDLEA to help educate and reorient our members at the event,” he concluded.
In another development, Uthman also made a similar stopover at the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC where he advocated the need for collaboration in the fight against cybercrime, corruption and sextortion.
He expressed the willingness of NANS to partner with the EFCC in tackling social vices across the country.
“As a responsive and progressive student body, we are ready to partner with the commission to fight financial crimes and reduce them to the barest minimum,” Uthman said.
He proposed joint awareness campaigns, collaboration and capacity building initiatives to educate and enhance students’ understanding of financial literacy, integrity and ethics.
The Lagos Zonal Commander, Mr. Michael T. Wetkas, who welcomed the student leaders to his office, urged them to consider themselves as important stakeholders in the fight against economic and financial crimes.
He emphasized the importance of integrity, good conduct, character and accountability among student leaders.
“The strength of any nation lies in its youths and educational level. The country needs a generation of progressive individuals who will maximize their talents,” Wetkas said.
He encouraged NANS members to be whistleblowers that must continuously reorient and sensitize their peers against indulging in cyber crimes.
“There is no shortcut to wealth and success. Internet fraud diminishes our image as a nation. The anti-graft agency will continue to discharge its responsibilities within the ambit of the law, without fear or favour,” he added.
According to Senator Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, Clerk of the Senate, NANS HQ, the proposed collaborations with NDLEA and EFCC exemplify the proactive approach adopted by the national student leadership to curb the prevalence of drug abuse and financial crimes among members.
He said through these partnerships, NANS aims to foster a safer, more ethical, and healthier environment for all students.
