The National Association of Nigerian Students has reaffirmed its commitment to the rescue of abducted students and teachers across the country, declaring support for advocacy efforts by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Union of Teachers aimed at securing their safe return.
NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, stated this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, amid growing concerns over the safety of students and education workers following recent abductions in parts of the country.
Akinteye said the student body remained focused on ensuring that all abducted students and teachers regain their freedom, stressing that NANS would continue to engage relevant authorities and mobilise support for efforts geared towards their rescue.
According to him, the association identifies with the concerns raised by organised labour, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Union of Teachers, over the recurring incidents of kidnapping targeting schools and education personnel.
“The safety of students and teachers must remain a national priority. NANS will continue to support every legitimate effort aimed at securing the release of those in captivity and preventing future occurrences,” he said.
The NANS president said the recent wave of attacks on schools and education workers has created fear among students and parents, warning that insecurity could undermine access to education if urgent action is not taken.
“Education cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear. When students are afraid to go to school and teachers are uncertain of their safety, the future of the country is placed at risk. This is why all stakeholders must unite to confront this challenge,” he said.
Akinteye added that NANS would continue to work with labour unions, parents, community leaders and security agencies to sustain pressure on the government until the abductees are rescued.
“We commend the NLC and the NUT for standing up for the rights and safety of teachers and students. Their advocacy has helped draw national attention to the plight of the victims and the urgent need for stronger protection of schools,” he stated.
While reaffirming support for the ongoing campaign, Akinteye stressed that the association’s primary concern remains the welfare of the victims rather than political considerations.
“This is not the time for division or grandstanding. Our concern is the safe return of every abducted child and teacher. We must keep the focus on the victims and their families who are going through immense pain and uncertainty,” he said.
The NANS president, however, distanced the association from groups he described as politically affiliated, insisting that the campaign for the rescue of abducted children should not be used as a platform for partisan interests.
“We welcome support from all well-meaning Nigerians, but we believe advocacy on issues as sensitive as the lives of students and teachers must be driven by sincerity, responsibility and a genuine commitment to national interest,” he said.
Akinteye also dismissed reports questioning his studentship status, describing the claims as false and reiterating that he remains a bona fide student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology.
He urged media organisations to uphold professional standards by verifying information before publication, noting that misinformation could distract from the urgent task of addressing insecurity in schools.
“We will continue to defend the interests of Nigerian students and ensure that attention remains on the plight of abducted students and teachers. Our priority is their safe return and the protection of educational institutions across the country,” he added.
“We are calling on the Federal Government, security agencies and relevant authorities to act swiftly and decisively. Every day spent in captivity is another day of trauma for the victims and their families. The rescue of these children and teachers must be treated as a matter of national urgency,” he added.
The statement comes amid heightened concerns over the security of schools following the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for stronger measures to protect learning institutions.
In response to the abduction, the Nigeria Union of Teachers directed its members to embark on a nationwide strike, citing growing insecurity and the need for urgent government action to safeguard teachers and pupils. The action received the backing of the Nigeria Labour Congress, which expressed solidarity with the teachers and demanded immediate steps to secure the release of those held captive.
NANS had earlier mobilised students and stakeholders for advocacy activities in support of the victims, maintaining that the protection of schools and the safety of learners must remain a priority for governments at all levels.
The Punch
