Henry Okunomo, a former Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has expressed his worries regarding the increasing politicization of the student organization. He noted that NANS is "close to losing its essence" due to outside interference and drifting away from its foundational principles.
Okunomo also raised concerns about the alleged participation of the president’s son in NANS activities, questioning the implications of such involvement.
In a discussion with Channels Television on Wednesday, he criticized the growing power of political figures within NANS, suggesting that many individuals are now pursuing positions for reasons linked to political agendas rather than for the benefit of students.
"In reality, I must say, the organization is nearly losing its purpose. These individuals have manipulated the organization to the point where without government support, your chances of advancing in it are minimal," he commented.
He expressed sadness over the transition from advocating for student rights to seeking political favors, asserting that the original aim of NANS, which was to safeguard and advance the interests of Nigerian students, is deteriorating.
"People are now aligning themselves with various political parties. The organization is steadily drifting away from its founding purpose," he remarked.
Additionally, he highlighted the supposed involvement of Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, questioning his position and sway over NANS despite lacking any affiliation as a student or a former member.
"Over the past year, with the president’s son’s involvement, he has taken measures that have rendered the organization vulnerable. I am unsure of his intentions or what he aims to accomplish, but the public should question him about his interest in NANS," he stated.
He called into question the appropriateness of non-students influencing the leadership of student bodies, asserting that only those currently enrolled in Nigerian institutions or those who have been active in NANS may rightly be regarded as stakeholders.
"He wasn't a stakeholder. He didn’t study in Nigeria. The sole qualification for being a stakeholder in this organization is having previously served in it," Okunomo explained.
He further condemned the misuse of authority and the alleged harassment of individuals disguised as political influence.
"You now use your power to intimidate specific individuals within the country, disregarding the fact that everyone’s safety should be protected by the president of the nation," he commented.
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