The National Association of Nigerian Students in the Republic of Niger (NANS-RN) has called for an immediate investigation into a disputed list of accredited institutions in Niger. According to NANS-RN Stakeholders Committee Chairman, Amb. Mukailu Ibrahim Mai Lafiya, the list attributed to the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission was not authenticated by competent authorities in Niger.
Mai Lafiya made the demand at a press conference, stating that the Nigerian government initially obtained a list of accredited institutions in Niger through diplomatic channels. The original list was transmitted through the Nigerian Embassy in Niger and confirmed by relevant Nigerian authorities. However, another list emerged through the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission, which NANS-RN disputes.
Members of NANS-RN travelled to Niger to verify the disputed document with the Nigerian Embassy and the Nigerien Ministry of Higher Education. Their findings did not establish that the disputed list originated from competent authorities in Niger. Mai Lafiya questioned the origin of the list, who prepared it, and why it was not confirmed through diplomatic channels.
An updated list of accredited institutions dated September 2026 has been transmitted through proper authorities. Mai Lafiya urged the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage the Nigerien Government directly to authenticate the list through diplomatic channels. He also called on the Minister of Education to investigate the process surrounding the disputed list.
Mai Lafiya raised concerns about the alleged involvement of some ministry officials, particularly those within the Department of Education Support Services. He warned that if any official is found to have obstructed or manipulated the process, administrative and legal action should follow. No individual should place personal interests above the future of over 25,000 Nigerian graduates.
NANS-RN President, Muhammad Abubakar Uwaisu, alleged that some Nigerian students, particularly student leaders, faced intimidation over their participation in the advocacy. The association will not abandon students affected by the controversy and will continue to pursue dialogue while documenting alleged acts of intimidation or obstruction.
The student leaders called for the authentic list to be verified, the disputed document investigated, and responsibility established where wrongdoing is proven. They urged relevant Nigerian and Nigerien authorities to resolve the matter through established diplomatic processes. This comes after the Federal Government banned 18 foreign universities operating in Nigeria in January 2024.
Key points
- NANS-RN demands investigation into disputed Niger varsity accreditation list
- Over 25,000 Nigerian graduates affected by controversy
- Association urges diplomatic resolution to the matter
