The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has firmly denied allegations suggesting it is planning a nationwide shutdown of major cities. The association labeled these claims as entirely baseless and contrary to its official stance.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by NANS Senate President Akinteye Babatunde, the organization clarified that it has neither announced nor endorsed any form of protest aimed at disrupting public order.
“We have become aware of false reports circulating on various platforms that NANS is orchestrating a massive shutdown of cities across Nigeria. We want to make it clear that these reports are unfounded and do not represent the views or intentions of our organization,” the statement read.
NANS emphasized its commitment to peaceful advocacy and constructive dialogue with relevant stakeholders. The statement continued, “Our focus remains on promoting peace and stability in Nigeria, especially during these challenging times. Any actions leading to civil unrest are not supported by NANS.”
The association urged the public to disregard the misleading information and stressed that those propagating these rumors are unidentified entities seeking to cause unrest.
“We call on the public, media, and stakeholders to ignore these false claims. The individuals or groups behind this misinformation are using NANS’s name to create unnecessary tension. We disassociate ourselves from these actions and demand that security agencies investigate and hold accountable those responsible for spreading these dangerous falsehoods,” Babatunde said.
NANS has also appealed to security agencies to take action against those attempting to use its name for malicious purposes, underscoring the importance of maintaining democratic integrity and national peace.
“NANS remains dedicated to advocating for Nigerian students through lawful and constructive means. We stand for peace, progress, and national unity. We appreciate the support of Nigerian students and the public, and encourage everyone to remain vigilant against attempts to mislead and incite unrest,” the statement concluded.