FUNAAB student declares NANS presidential bid

A presidential candidate of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Dotun Opaleye, has decried the use of the students’ bodies to advance a selfish political agenda rather than championing equity, good governance, and promoting the welfare of the students across the country.

Opaleye stated that, the students national body has for some time being an appendage of some political interests but his leadership is poised to change that and rather use the power of a united students front to champion a new dawn of accountability and inclusiveness that prioritizes students welfare and well-being.

Opaleye, a student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, stated this in a briefing held on Wednesday at the NUJ secretariat, Iwe Iroyin, Abeokuta, to declare his intention to run for the NANS presidential race.

He explained that “NANS under my leadership, will not be used as a political tool to perpetuate the agenda of nefarious politicians. Though all students have the right to follow whoever they want to follow.

“They have the right to support whoever they want to support, and vote for whoever they want to support. This should be done with decorum and with proper intellectual engagement.

“But NANS should not be pro-political parties, NANS should be pro-people, pro-students, pro-masses. And under my leadership, that will be our core agenda”.

He explained that for too long, the Nigerian student has endured neglect, broken promises, and policies made without input of the students.

Opaleye stated that “We have faced inadequate infrastructure, rising school fees, insecurity on campuses, and an education system that does not reflect the future we deserve. Yet, through it all, the resilience of the Nigerian student has never wavered.

“That is why I am stepping forward. Our struggle is not for personal aggrandizement but for collective liberation. Under my leadership, NANS will return to its roots: a fearless, united, and purposeful body that defends the rights and welfare of every Nigerian student from Sokoto to Port Harcourt”.

Opaleye said that his leadership will fight for affordable education, improved hostel conditions, and accessible healthcare on all campuses.

He explained that his administration will partner with the Nigerian government and stakeholders to push for conversion of NELFUND from a loan to a grant.

Opaleye said that”The burden of an education loan will be too stifling for young graduates who are not assured of finding their feet in Nigeria’s labour market and therefore we shall do all that is within our power to convert the students loan to grants”.

Aside unifying the students population, Opaleye said that his vision also include building the first NANS befitting secretariat since the 45-years establishment of the national students body.

He said “Comrades, this is not just an election. It is a call to reclaim the dignity of the Nigerian student and to rebuild an association that works for you, not against you. I pledge to lead with integrity, courage, and an open door for every student.

“The time for passive leadership is over. The time for action is now. Join me as we chart a new course for NANS, a course of strength, solidarity, and service.

“I seek your mandate. I seek your trust. Together, we will redeem NANS and return the true pride of Nigerian students once again”.