Where is the radical NANS?

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) an umbrella of more than 30 million students in Nigeria used to be known as a radical force in the fight against corruption, an agency for national construction and a union that checkmates the national economy and foreign policy. NANS of yesterday was as radical as the mass labour movements not just in Nigeria but internationally.

I am writing this for the benefit of our younger generation that may find interest in unionism. They need to know that the major objective of the union is democratization of education at all levels and adequate funding of education from primary to tertiary level to the extent that every Nigerian has access to quality education.

Unfortunately, that students union of today has become the mouthpiece and defendant of anti masses policies. Many of office aspirants in NANS are sponsored by government just to protect its interest.

It is sad that NANS has changed from the radical stance it was known for into some form of government agency.

It is important for the union to distance itself from partisan politics. It should instead fight for the welfare of students. NANS in the past was known for building alliances with some radical ideological movements like the Progressive Youth Movement of Nigeria (PYMN) and Alliance of Progressive Students (APS). But today, it has become a toothless bulldog. Upcoming student leaders need to know that the task to rebuild NANS lies with them. They must therefore be principled and strictly pursue the aims and objectives the union. The charter should be amended and updated because of the current neo liberal policies in the country.