The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at securing the release of abducted students and teachers across the country, while backing ongoing advocacy by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, made this known in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, amid growing national concern over the rising incidents of school-related kidnappings.
He said the association remains actively engaged with relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure the safe return of all victims and to strengthen measures aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
According to him, the increasing wave of abductions targeting schools and education workers has heightened fear among students, parents, and teachers, posing a serious threat to the country’s education system.
“The safety of students and teachers must remain a national priority. NANS will continue to support every legitimate effort aimed at securing the release of those in captivity and preventing future occurrences,” he said.
Akinteye added that education cannot thrive in an environment dominated by fear and insecurity, warning that continued attacks on schools could undermine access to learning and long-term national development.
He also expressed solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Union of Teachers, commending their advocacy for stronger protection of schools and education personnel.
“We commend the NLC and the NUT for standing up for the rights and safety of teachers and students. Their advocacy has helped draw national attention to the plight of the victims and the urgent need for stronger protection of schools,” he said.
The NANS president stressed that the ongoing campaign should remain focused on humanitarian concerns rather than political interests, urging stakeholders to prioritise the safe return of abducted victims.
“This is not the time for division or grandstanding. Our concern is the safe return of every abducted child and teacher,” he said.
He also distanced the association from what he described as politically motivated groups, insisting that advocacy on insecurity in schools must be driven by sincerity and national interest.
Akinteye further addressed claims questioning his status as a student, describing them as false and affirming that he is a bona fide student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology.
He urged media organisations to ensure accuracy in reporting, warning that misinformation could distract from efforts to address insecurity in the education sector.
The NANS president called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take urgent and decisive action to rescue abducted students and teachers, stressing that prolonged captivity deepens trauma for victims and their families.
“We are calling on the Federal Government, security agencies and relevant authorities to act swiftly and decisively. Every day spent in captivity is another day of trauma for the victims and their families,” he added.
The statement follows heightened tension over recent school abductions in parts of the country, including incidents in Oyo State, which have triggered nationwide protests and renewed calls for improved school security.
Education stakeholders, including labour unions, have continued to demand stronger protection mechanisms for schools, with some groups taking industrial action to press for government intervention.
NANS said it will continue to mobilise students and stakeholders in support of advocacy efforts aimed at securing the release of victims and ensuring safer learning environments across Nigeria.
