”Who speaks for the Nigerian students” – Ife student’s union reacts to the closure of schools for Ramadan

The student union of Obafemi Awolowo University has reacted to the recent closure of schools in some northern states due to Ramadan.

In a statement, they accused the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) of failing to fulfill its fundamental duty of being the voice of Nigerian students.

They said that states like Bauchi, Kano, Kebbi, and Katsina have ordered a five-week break from March 1st to April 5th, 2025, leaving students at home during a critical academic period.

They added that while religious observance is important, a decision of this magnitude should have been met with serious scrutiny and engagement from a functioning student leadership. Yet, NANS, an association meant to protect the academic interests of students nationwide, has remained silent.

”It is absurd that CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria) has been more vocal about this issue than NANS, making it seem like a religious conflict rather than an educational concern. NANS should have been at the forefront of this discussion, questioning the rationale behind shutting down schools for a whole month when adjustments to school hours or a slight reduction in academic workload could have sufficed.”

No press release, no statement, no engagement with stakeholders just deafening silence.

The student union said NANS has become a shadow of Its former self and has completely lost its essence.

What was once a formidable body advocating for students’ rights has now degenerated into a tool for political puppetry. Rather than standing as a watchdog over policies that affect students, they now serve as errand boys for politicians, seeking favours instead of justice. ”Who will speak for the Nigerian students”

The union concluded by urging NANS to wake up and do its duties diligently.