By Adesina Wahab

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has decried the campaign of calumny by some faceless elements against the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayo Olawande Wisdom, saying such efforts cannot rubbish the great achievements so far recorded in office by the Minister.
The student body also expressed disgust at what it described as sustained persecution and orchestrated smear campaigns against Olawande.
In a statement issued by the President of the NANS Senate, Usman Adamu Nagwaza, the association expressed concern over what it termed “unhealthy criticism” targeted at the Minister, noting that such attacks were not rooted in genuine accountability but in “toxic politics, division, and bigotry.”
While reaffirming its commitment to holding public office holders accountable, NANS stressed that criticism must be constructive and objective.
The student body highlighted several achievements of the Minister since assuming office, noting that he has championed youth-focused policies and programmes aimed at national development.

According to the statement, Olawande has strengthened youth empowerment initiatives through skills acquisition programmes, expanded access to funding opportunities for young entrepreneurs, and promoted digital innovation among Nigerian youths.

NANS further noted that the Minister has played a pivotal role in deepening youth inclusion in governance by engaging student leaders and youth stakeholders across the country, while also supporting initiatives that enhance job creation and capacity development at the grassroots level.

The association described Olawande as a “resourceful and purposeful leader” who has repositioned the Ministry of Youth Development beyond expectations and reaffirmed the potential of Nigerian youths as drivers of national progress.

NANS also condemned what it called a “coordinated campaign of blackmail and misinformation,” urging detractors to desist from actions capable of undermining national development.

NANS concluded by calling for unity and collective responsibility, emphasizing that governance should be assessed based on performance and impact rather than political sentiments.