The Forum of Zonal Coordinators of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has cautioned the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Dayo Israel, against holding political activities in tertiary institutions without the involvement of recognised student leadership.
In a statement jointly signed by the six zonal coordinators and released on Monday, the forum expressed concern over reports that Israel was planning campus-based political engagements in partnership with some state governments.
The student body said any programme involving undergraduates must be planned in consultation with the National Association of Nigerian Students, state Joint Campus Committee leaderships and Students’ Union governments, warning that bypassing these structures was unacceptable.
The coordinators argued that students should not be treated as a political audience to be mobilised or used to support funding proposals while their elected representatives were ignored.
“We find this approach unacceptable. Nigerian students must not be treated merely as a population to be mobilised, counted or used to justify proposals for funding while their legitimate representatives are deliberately excluded.
“As the saying goes, anything done for us without us is against us,” the statement read.
The forum stressed that its position was driven by concerns over transparency, accountability, coordination and the safety of students rather than political patronage.
It warned that with the 2027 general election drawing closer and political activities expected to intensify, tertiary institutions should not become arenas for partisan rivalry, intimidation, violence or other security threats.
According to the coordinators, any political event involving students or hosted within higher institutions must be preceded by consultations with recognised student leaders and handled with due regard for campus security.
The forum also warned against using campuses as political mobilisation centres while sidelining bodies responsible for protecting students’ interests and welfare.
It further urged state governments and managements of tertiary institutions to prioritise students’ safety, academic activities and institutional neutrality over political considerations.
“No institution should permit politically sensitive programmes on its campus without proper security assessment, institutional neutrality and consultation with student leadership,” the statement added.
While reaffirming its readiness to engage political parties and other stakeholders on issues affecting young people, the forum said it would oppose any attempt to exploit or endanger students under the guise of youth engagement.
“Our campuses are centres of learning, not political feeding grounds,” the coordinators said.
