By Adesina Wahab

Students under the aegis of Transparency Forum, TF, has called on the Independent Convention Planning Committee of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to adhered strictly to article 15 subsection 2 which are the stipulated guidelines for aspirant vying for office in the apex students body.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, the Convener of the group, Amb. Abdullahi Hassan, said it is very appalling that aspirants who have no academic records disregard the eligibility status as contained in the NANS constitution.

He further noted that credible information available to the forum indicates that there are several aspirants across the nation who are clearly ineligible to contest for offices in the association.

According to him, some of these individuals merely secure admission and pay school fees without actively participating in academic activities, as they have not sat for any examinations to validate their student status.

Hassan specifically alleged that there are certain aspirants from Gombe State University (GSU), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), and Ebonyi State University (EBSU) who do not meet the constitutional requirements as stipulated for aspirants seeking leadership positions in NANS.

He emphasized that allowing such individuals to contest would undermine the integrity, credibility, and sanctity of the student body, stressing that NANS must remain a true representation of genuine Nigerian students.

The forum therefore urged the Convention Planning Committee to carry out a thorough and transparent screening process, ensuring that only duly qualified and academically active students are cleared to participate in the forthcoming convention.

He concluded by calling on all relevant stakeholders to uphold fairness, accountability, and strict adherence to the constitution in order to preserve the dignity and future of student leadership in Nigeria.