Nigeria NANS Should Focus on Student Rights, Not Government Agenda, Says Femi Falana

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has urged Nigerian student leaders and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to join forces with trade unions to protect the human rights of all Nigerians, particularly the right to education.

In a statement signed by Tayo Soyemi of Falana and Falana Chambers, Falana emphasized the need to recognize and reposition NANS to effectively advocate for Nigerian students. He called for the immediate lifting of the ban on all student unions to empower NANS in this regard.

Falana made these remarks during a presentation at the inaugural Yinka Odumakin Inter-faculty Debate and Public Lecture organized by the Student Union of Obafemi Awolowo University. Stressing the importance of collaboration between student unions and trade unions, Falana highlighted the imperative of safeguarding Nigeria's economy from imperialism and neoliberal policies.

He criticized recent actions by NANS, alleging its alignment with the government against bodies like ASUU and NLC. Falana urged NANS to realign its focus on defending students' interests and advocating against issues such as student abductions and ransom payments.

He called on student leaders to recognize NANS's core mandate and lead efforts to address pressing issues affecting Nigerian students nationwide.