24/08/2026
SOMETIMES, A SIMPLE LETTER FROM NANS IS ENOUGH.
As the NANS Senate is currently converging for its sitting in Ebonyi State, let me quickly brief Nigerian Students on something we are doing as a Directorate. The aim is to open the eye of students to the activities of the our Directorate and your Directorate.
Quite recently, the Directorate Of Students' Rights-NANS National HQ received a petition from a student of a university in Kwara State concerning an alleged threat to his studentship by a senior official of the institution.
According to the petition, the student had raised concerns about a decision of the University's management which he believed was detrimental to students and called on the Students' Union Government to take appropriate action.
He alleged that the message was considered an incitement against management and that the Dean of Student Affairs subsequently forwarded the message to him, telling him that he should "pray very hard" to finish his studies at the University.
The student approached the Directorate because of his apprehension that the statement could have consequences for his studentship, particularly in light of a previous disciplinary matter.
What stood out to us was that he came with evidence.
He provided screenshots, messages, his disciplinary invitation, written appeal and other relevant materials. More importantly, he asked the Directorate not to take his word blindly, but to examine the evidence from both sides and allow the facts to speak.
And that is exactly what we intend to do.
As I write this from Benue State, the institution concerned has received a formal letter from the Directorate requesting clarification on the circumstances surrounding the allegations.
The institution has been given seven working days to respond.
We will study the response, examine the evidence and engage the relevant parties before determining the appropriate next step.
We are not prejudging the matter. We are investigating it.
DEAR NIGERIAN STUDENTS, SPEAK UP.
If you genuinely believe your rights have been violated, do not suffer in silence.
Document what happened. Keep your evidence. Use the appropriate channels. Seek lawful redress.
Students are citizens before they are students. Your status as a student does not take away the rights guaranteed to you by the Constitution.
The freedom of expression guaranteed under Section 39 of the Constitution is an important democratic right. But it must equally be exercised responsibly and within the limits of the law.
Students should be able to raise legitimate concerns about decisions affecting their welfare without fear of retaliation.
At the same time, every complaint must be approached responsibly. NANS will investigate before it concludes.
The Directorate will engage institutions.
We will examine evidence.
We will encourage dialogue.
And where credible evidence establishes victimisation or retaliation against a student for seeking lawful redress, we will not look the other way.
A student who submits a petition to NANS should not be punished merely for seeking help.
Our approach is simple:
Not with noise.
Not with intimidation.
Not with social-media trials.
But with evidence, engagement, law and courage.
Sometimes, a simple letter from NANS is enough.
And when more is required, the Directorate of Students' Rights and Legal Related Matters will be ready.
Know your rights.
Document your experience.
Speak up.
Seek justice.
Your voice matters.
COMR. OYI SAMUEL ALECHENU.
National Director, Students' Rights and Legal Related Matters
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
