Akintunde Naomi
A statement made by the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Akinteye Babatunde, has sparked fierce reactions from Nigerian students across the country.
On 8 August 2026, Mr Babatunde posted a statement on his public Facebook account that read:
“We will be working with NYSC and one of the criteria to be mobilized for camp is NANS DUES receipt…. One way or the other, we will break the shackles and revive the power of the organization back…”
The announcement triggered immediate pushback. Many students described the policy as absurd, arguing that membership in the association should not be compulsory for every tertiary student. Others suggested that the leadership explore alternative mechanisms to drive revenue rather than tying dues to national service. Meanwhile, a few saw no issue with the directive, provided other student bodies such as NAUS and NAPS were included, while some felt individual Student Union Governments (SUGs) should handle funding responsibilities instead.
In response to the growing backlash, the NANS President made a follow-up post:
“If as a student you find it difficult to pay as high as 200 Naira yearly as NANS DUES, you don’t have the moral right to insult the leader of the organization if you see them romancing Govt or agency heads….. Happy Sunday to you all….”
While students generally recognise that financial independence is necessary for effective unionism, many are asking whether this policy is a heavy-handed tactic or simply a push to encourage voluntary payment.
The overall sentiment among students remains firmly against the proposal. Ajetunmobi Abdulganiyu described it as “strategic exploitation”, asking: “Of what essence will the funds generated be used for?”
Sharing similar concerns, Comrade Ojo Emmanuel Bamisheye, the NAPS (National Association of Polytechnic Students) National Sports Director, urged caution and accountability:
“I believe any proposed collaboration between NANS and NYSC regarding student mobilization must be approached with transparency, inclusiveness, legality and fairness.”
With numerous questions left unanswered, skepticism surrounding the proposed policy remains high across Nigerian campuses.
