The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has distanced itself from the Take It Back (TIB) Movement led by activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, declaring that it will not participate in any protest organised by the group.
In a statement issued in Abuja, NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, accused the movement of pursuing political interests under the guise of activism, arguing that its approach differs from the student body’s methods of engagement and advocacy.
According to Akinteye, the activities of the Take It Back Movement have increasingly blurred the lines between activism, journalism, and partisan politics, raising concerns about the organisation’s true objectives.
He maintained that NANS would not align itself with any group whose actions, in its view, are driven by political ambitions rather than genuine advocacy on issues affecting Nigerians.
The student leader also dismissed reports questioning his status as a student, describing the claims as false and misleading. He insisted that he remains a bona fide student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology and criticised those behind the reports for allegedly failing to verify the facts before publication.
Akinteye further urged media organisations to uphold professional standards by prioritising accuracy, fairness, and proper fact-checking in their reportage.
Commenting on the recent wave of school abductions across the country, he stated that NANS would not join any protest organised by Sowore or the Take It Back Movement over the incidents.
However, he commended labour unions and education stakeholders, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Union of Teachers, for advocating on behalf of victims of kidnapping and insecurity.
He reiterated NANS’ commitment to securing the release of abducted students and ensuring that government authorities take stronger measures to protect schools and learning environments across the country.
Akinteye added that while the association would continue to defend the interests of Nigerian students, it would do so through what he described as peaceful, lawful, and constructive channels.
He also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to national peace and stability, stressing that NANS would not support actions capable of inciting violence or disrupting public order.
