ABEOKUTA – Former Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Comrade Damilola Kehinde, has expressed concern over the reported attempt to exclude students of Cooperative Colleges, Social Development Institute and Gateway Industrial Petroleum Institute from participating in the upcoming NANS election scheduled for Saturday.
In a statement personally signed and made available to newsmen on Friday, Kehinde described the development as a departure from established practice and called for a more inclusive approach to safeguard the integrity of the association’s democratic process.
He noted that these institutions have consistently played active roles in NANS activities and elections over the years, including the conventions that produced past leadership, such as his tenure (2021–2023) and that of his successor, Comrade Femi Adeyanju (2023–2025).
Kehinde emphasized that, to the best of his knowledge, there has been no formal or widely accepted revision excluding these institutions from participation. He therefore encouraged all stakeholders to adhere to established guidelines and ensure that no group of students is unfairly sidelined.
While acknowledging the role of national leadership in guiding the affairs of the association, he urged that any decisions affecting participation should be handled with transparency, broad consultation, and respect for long-standing traditions within the Ogun JCC.
He also expressed concern that disagreements among institutions could affect unity within the student body, and appealed to all parties to prioritize collaboration and fairness in the interest of all students.
Kehinde commended the Department of State Services (DSS) in Ogun State for its proactive efforts in maintaining peace and ensuring a smooth electoral process. He expressed confidence that all necessary measures are in place to support a credible and orderly election.
He concluded by encouraging students from all eligible institutions to participate peacefully and responsibly in the election, in line with the constitution and guiding principles of NANS.
