The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has waded into the controversy surrounding the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Committee on Life Skills and Critical Thinking. NANS President, Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, clarified that the student constituency was fully consulted and represented during the committee's constitution. This response follows a joint press statement by other student bodies alleging that student representation was omitted from the newly inaugurated JAMB committee.
The allegations were made by the National Association of University Students (NAUS), the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), and the National Association of Colleges of Education Students (NANCES). However, Akinteye described the allegations as unfounded and born out of a misunderstanding of operational boundaries among the student unions. He emphasized that NANS remains the apex representative body and umbrella organization for all Nigerian students both domestically and in the diaspora.
Akinteye noted that while specialized unions maintain autonomy within their respective sectors, matters of national policy affecting the entire student body fall strictly under the purview of NANS. He stated that all sister unions must come to terms with the fact that it is not within their purview to address issues that affect the general student populace. The NANS President also highlighted the limitations of each sister union, stating that their activities are restricted to their respective sectors.
The NANS President confirmed that the examination body formally extended an invitation to his office to be part of the committee's inauguration. Due to official engagements, he delegated the NANS Vice President (Special Duties), Comr. Ernest Nkereuwem, to represent the organization and Nigerian students at the event. Akinteye also tendered an expression of regret to the leadership of JAMB over the public outcry generated by the sister unions' statements.
Akinteye apologized to the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, for any inconvenience the media outrage might have caused him. He stated that the student constituency was properly carried along, and they were fully involved and part of the process. The NANS President enjoined sister unions to seek proper clarification and conduct thorough verification before issuing press releases on issues regarding national student welfare and policy engagements.
The student apex body reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives and policy frameworks designed to advance the educational growth and overall welfare of Nigerian students. NANS urged sister unions to refrain from jurisdictional overreach and stop issuing public statements without prior fact-finding. The organization emphasized the importance of collaboration and proper communication among student unions.
The controversy highlights the need for clear communication and understanding among student unions in Nigeria. NANS has called for unity and cooperation among student bodies, emphasizing that their collective efforts should focus on advancing the interests of Nigerian students. The apology to JAMB and the clarification on the committee's constitution aim to resolve the controversy and promote a more harmonious relationship among student unions.
Key points
- NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, apologizes to JAMB over committee controversy.
- Student constituency was fully consulted and represented during the committee's constitution.
- NANS urges sister unions to refrain from jurisdictional overreach and seek proper clarification before issuing public statements.
