The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has voiced its strong condemnation of anonymous protest organisers attempting to incite unrest amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The association highlighted the need for patience and resilience as the nation navigates through necessary but difficult reforms.
NANS acknowledged the widespread hardship experienced by Nigerians due to recent government policies aimed at fostering sustainable development. Recognising the economic strain on households, NANS expressed deep empathy for the difficulties faced by citizens. The association emphasised that the path to transformative change is arduous and requires collective endurance.
“We understand the frustrations and difficulties the citizens are facing, and we are deeply empathetic to the plight of all Nigerians. However, we must remain steadfast and patient,” NANS stated, urging for optimism regarding the future benefits of these reforms.
NANS stressed the importance of patience and understanding during this transitional period, urging citizens to stay hopeful as the long-term advantages of the reforms become apparent. The association called for resilience, asserting that positive outcomes will eventually emerge.
The organization also distanced itself from current anti-government protests, noting the suspicious anonymity of the protest organizers.
NANS expressed concerns that these unnamed entities are exploiting the economic situation for selfish political gains, labeling them as “economic saboteurs.”
NANS pointed out the organisers’ refusal to reveal their identities while making inflammatory statements capable of causing chaos.
The association urged Nigerian students to reject any enticement to join these protests, which it views as a grand conspiracy by individuals with hidden agendas.
“The over 40.1 million Nigerian students will not be cajoled into the grand conspiracy of these obscured individuals in the name of ‘Ending bad governance’ if they themselves cannot pass a simple integrity test by revealing themselves and openly engaging us in debates,” NANS asserted.
Emphasising the importance of maintaining academic continuity, NANS highlighted that Nigerian students have enjoyed an uninterrupted academic calendar for over a year. The association praised ongoing dialogues between the Federal Government and academic staff unions, aimed at sustaining this stability.
“We will not allow those with hidden agendas and identities to create an artificial crisis that would disrupt our academic pursuit. We believe in constructive dialogue and engagement as the best means to address our grievances,” NANS concluded.
