“Nigeria Students Have Now Move From Protest To Policy”
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has recorded the reinstatement of 14 suspended students, the rescue of abducted students, and the rollout of new digital platforms in its first 100 days under President Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, GCNS.
In an address delivered in Abuja on Tuesday to mark the milestone, Afeez said the administration was built on what he called the “EPOCH Movement” — a push to reposition NANS from “merely an agitation group to a credible stakeholder in nation-building.”
“We came into office prepared, with a clear sense of purpose and the conviction that the voice of Nigerian students must not merely be heard, but must translate into action, policy and measurable results,” Afeez told fellow students.
Student Welfare and Justice*
According to the President, advocacy was central to the first 100 days. NANS said it secured the reinstatement of students at LAUTECH and the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, totaling over 14 students.
At the University of Lagos, intervention with management led to the reopening of the registration portal for students who had missed the deadline, averting a possible loss of semester.
The association also said it intervened in the detention of BUK student Maryam Isah Shehu by the EFCC. The case has since been dropped and she has returned to campus. NANS added that it is engaging the Nigerian Correctional Service over students remanded despite being granted bail.
Security Interventions*
On safety, Afeez said NANS engaged federal and Oyo State governments and security agencies following the abduction of students and teachers in Orire LGA, Oyo State. He noted that those abducted have now been rescued safely.
Students abducted from Gateway Polytechnic were also rescued unharmed following sustained engagement, he added.
To strengthen campus safety long-term, NANS launched the NANSSafe App, a digital platform for security alerts and incident reporting.
Education Funding and Economic Support
The association challenged what it described as an “outrageous increase” in postgraduate fees at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and demanded a reversal.
On funding, NANS said it pushed for the release of NELFUND upkeep payments that had been delayed for three months and is engaging institutions that have yet to refund students despite receiving intervention funds.
Four standing committees on TETFund, NDDC, NEDC and ITF interventions were also inaugurated to monitor projects affecting students. In addition, NANS launched the ITF SIWES Payment Verification Portal to help students who completed industrial training but had not received allowances.
Employability and Digital Transformation*
Looking beyond the classroom, NANS partnered with EARN Integrated Resources to launch the NANS-EARN Platform for digital skills, certifications and job opportunities. It also secured scholarship, employment and mobility support through engagement with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
The association said it has continued its Monthly Essay Writing Competition to build students’ analytical and leadership capacity.
As part of its digital transformation agenda, NANS unveiled its official website alongside the NANSSafe App and the ITF portal within the 100-day window.
Government Engagement and Civic Participation*
Afeez said NANS held strategic talks with the Nigerian Communications Commission on affordable telecoms for students and with the Ebonyi State Government on student-related matters.
The body also organized a nationwide Democracy Day Walk and has been mobilizing students to register for Permanent Voter Cards ahead of elections. “Nigerian students must not merely be affected by public policy; they must participate in determining those who make the policies,” he said.
The administration also convened its inaugural legislative sitting to deliberate on student issues and strengthen internal accountability.
*“We Are Only Getting Started”*
While listing the achievements, Afeez struck a cautious tone on what lies ahead, citing poor hostel conditions, insecurity, and funding as ongoing challenges.
“Let me be clear: we have not done anything yet. We are only getting started,” he said. “The journey has only begun. The work continues, and our commitment remains unflinching.”
NANS said it will prioritize the deplorable state of student hostels in the next phase, arguing that “no student should be expected to pursue academic excellence in an environment that compromises their dignity, safety and wellbeing.”
The address comes exactly 100 days after Afeez assumed office as NANS President.
