Leadership Crisis Hits NANS as Students Accuse Executives Over CNG Bus Distribution

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is embroiled in a leadership crisis following allegations of unequal distribution of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to higher institutions across the country.

A faction within the student body has accused NANS National President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, and Students’ Senate President, Comrade Babatunde Akinteye Afeez, of bias in the allocation of the buses. Consequently, the faction has passed a vote of no confidence on the duo.

Allegations of Selective Distribution:

In a petition jointly signed by notable student leaders, including Comrade Huzaifa Sabo Usman (Deputy Senate President, Dangote University of Science and Technology, Kano) and Comrade Anderson Chimezie Uwakwe (National Ex-Officio, Federal College of Land and Resources Technology, Owerri), the leaders condemned what they described as a lack of equity and transparency in the distribution process.

The petitioners also included Vice President Special Duties, Egbo Johnpaul Nnamchi (Enugu State College of Education), Public Relations Officer, Comrade Gundu Mimidoo Joy (Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi), and others.

The document, addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key federal agencies, called for immediate intervention to prevent potential unrest and to safeguard the President’s political integrity.

Excerpts from the Petition:  “On behalf of Nigerian students, we express our utmost indignation and disappointment at the egregious unequal distribution of the CNG buses recently donated to NANS,” the petition read.

They criticized the NANS leadership for disregarding principles of fairness, arguing that the selective allocation has created significant transportation challenges on many campuses.

“This unfair distribution exacerbates economic hardship for students, many of whom depend on affordable transportation. The resulting shortage will force students to seek costly alternatives, compounding their financial struggles,” the petition added.

The petitioners urged President Tinubu to initiate:

1. A thorough investigation into the distribution process.

2. Redistribution of the buses to ensure equitable access.

3. Disciplinary action against Comrades Lucky Emonefe and Babatunde Akinteye Afeez.

In their closing statement, the petitioners stated, “We believe it is your responsibility, Mr. President, to ensure that resources meant for the benefit of all Nigerian students are distributed fairly and transparently.”

Growing Tensions:

This crisis underscores growing dissatisfaction within NANS, a body responsible for representing millions of Nigerian students. The outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for the organization’s credibility and its leadership.