By Adesina Wahab 

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has rejected the selection of new leadership of the Student Union Government by the outgoing executive at Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State.

In a statement by the National Public Relations Officer, Obidah David, on behalf of the National President, Akinteye Afeez, the association described the purported selection of the new exco by Faizu Danyaya, the outgoing president of the SUG in the university as an abberation that cannot stand.

Danyaya had issued a memo dated June 25, 2026 where he listed a 26-member leadership that would take over from his team.

He said election was not conducted but selection was done because of security concerns and that the new leadership was appointed after a fair and transparent selection interviews witnessed by the representatives of the management of the university.

However, countering the process, the national leadership of NANS said, ” The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the apex representative body of Nigerian students, unequivocally condemns and rejects the purported selection of the Student Union Government (SUG) executives of the Federal University Kashere, Gombe State, as conveyed in the memorandum dated 26th June 2026.

“NANS views this action as a gross violation of the principles of democratic governance, students’ participation, and the long-established tradition of independent student unionism in Nigeria. The emergence of student leaders through selection or imposition, rather than a transparent and credible electoral process, is unacceptable and undermines the fundamental rights of students to freely choose those who represent their interests.

“Student unionism has, over the years, remained a breeding ground for leadership, accountability, and democratic values. It is therefore disturbing that an institution of higher learning would adopt a process that effectively denies students the opportunity to exercise their constitutional and democratic rights.

“The National Secretariat emphasizes that no university management, committee, or administrative body possesses the moral authority to substitute the collective will of the student body with an imposed leadership. Such actions erode students’ confidence in institutional governance and threaten the peace, stability, and unity of the academic community.

“NANS is deeply concerned that allowing this development to stand would create a dangerous precedent capable of encouraging similar undemocratic practices across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Accordingly, the National Association of Nigerian Students hereby demands: The immediate cancellation of the purported Student Union Government executives announced pursuant to the memorandum dated 26th June 2026.

“The withdrawal of every administrative action connected with the selection process.

“The constitution of an independent and credible electoral process that guarantees equal participation for all eligible students in accordance with the Students’ Union Constitution and established democratic principles.

“Assurance from the university management that future student union elections shall remain free from interference, manipulation, or imposition.”

Consequently, NANS issued a seven day ultimatum to the management of the Federal University Kashere to rescind the said memorandum and commence arrangements for a transparent, free, fair, and credible Students’ Union election.

It added that “Failure to comply within this period will compel the National Secretariat to activate all lawful and constitutional measures available to the association. These measures may include peaceful demonstrations, formal petitions to relevant government agencies and education stakeholders, and other legitimate actions aimed at safeguarding the democratic rights of students.

“We urge the management of the Federal University Kashere to seize this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to justice, fairness, institutional integrity, and democratic governance by immediately reversing this unfortunate decision.”