The National Headquarters of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), on Sunday, called on Human Rights activist and Founder of Sahara Reporters, to retract his aspersion titled, “NANS is Officially Useless” on X handle against the millions of Nigerian students and members of NANS nationwide.
NANS in a statement titled: “Nigerian Students Demand Retraction of Disparaging Remarks from Omoyele Sowore”
signed by the President of the Senate, NANS HQ, Senator Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, described the statement as disappointing, condemnable and derogatory.
Comrade Akinteye frowned at the statement coming from a former student leader demanding that Omoyele Sowore retract the statement and offer a public apology to NANS and the entire student body.
NANS affirmed that the association has long been a beacon of hope and advocacy for the welfare of Nigerian students and had to its credit a rich history of championing the rights and interests of students across the country, played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape and ensuring that student welfare remains a top priority.
The statement read, “… recent remarks made by Omoyele Sowore on his Twitter account have stirred outrage and disappointment among Nigerian students. Sowore, a former student leader himself, referred to “NANS as Officially Useless,” a statement that has been met with widespread condemnation from us.
“As stakeholders in the educational sector, we vehemently reject such derogatory remarks aimed at an organization that has tirelessly advocated for their rights and welfare.
“We have been instrumental in addressing issues such as inadequate funding for education, poor infrastructure in schools, and the overall improvement of the educational system in Nigeria.
“It is disheartening to see a former student leader, who once understood the struggles and aspirations of Nigerian students, make such disparaging comments about an organization that has been at the forefront of fighting for their rights.
“Sowore’s words not only undermine the hard work and dedication of NANS but also disregard the significant impact the organization has had on the lives of students across the country.
“We demand that Omoyele Sowore retract his statement and offer a public apology to NANS and the entire student body. As a former student leader himself, Sowore should understand the power of unity and collective action among Nigerian students.
NANS warned, “Failure to retract his statement will not be taken lightly, and he will face the full wrath of Nigerian students who are prepared to defend the integrity of NANS and the rights of all students.
NANS urged Sowore to recognize the importance of constructive dialogue and collaboration in addressing the challenges facing the Nigerian educational system and called on him to join hands with NANS and other stakeholders to work towards sustainable solutions that will benefit all Nigerian students.
The statement added, “Nigerian students stand united in demanding respect for NANS and the invaluable contributions it has made to the educational sector.
“We urge Omoyele Sowore to retract his statement and show the respect and dignity that Nigerian students deserve.
“Failure to do so will only further alienate him from the student community and undermine his credibility as a former student leader.”
