A former Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Henry Okunomo, has raised concerns over the growing politicisation of the student body, warning that the organisation is “almost losing it” due to external interference and a departure from its founding principles.
He also raised the alarm over the alleged involvement of the president’s son in the affairs of NANS.
In an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday, Okunomo criticised the increasing influence of political actors within NANS, alleging that many now seek office not to serve students but to align with political interests.
“In fact, let me say, the organisation is almost losing it. Because these people have programmed the organisation in the sense that if you do not have government backing, I’m afraid you might not be able to become anything in the organisation,” he said.
He lamented the shift from student advocacy to political patronage, noting that the core mission of NANS; to protect and promote the interests of Nigerian students, is being eroded.
“Everybody is now tagging themselves to one political party or the other. The organisation is already losing the purpose of its creation,” he added.
Okunomo also raised alarm over the alleged involvement of Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son in the affairs of NANS, questioning his role and influence despite not being a student or former member of the organisation.
“With the involvement of the president’s son for the past one year, he has done everything to make sure that the organisation is porous. What he stands to gain, I don’t know. What he wants to achieve, I don’t know. But the question I want the general public to ask him is, what is his interest in NANS?”
He questioned the legitimacy of non-students influencing student leadership, stating that only those who are currently studying in Nigerian institutions or have previously served in NANS, can be considered stakeholders.
“He wasn’t a stakeholder. He didn’t school in Nigeria. Because the only thing that can qualify you to be a stakeholder in the organisation is if you have served in the organisation,” Okunomo said.
He further criticised the abuse of power and alleged intimidation of individuals under the guise of political influence.
“You now hide under the power that you have to be terrorising some set of people in the country that everybody’s security is meant to be secured by the president of the country,” he stated.
