The Association of Southern Nigeria Students (ASONIS), under the leadership of Comr. Taiwo Temitope Olayinka (GCSNS), has strongly condemned the recent move by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to endorse Alhaji Dr. Oriyomi Hamzat as a gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State.
According to ASONIS, this development represents a dangerous deviation from the core principles of student unionism and a clear overreach of authority by NANS into indigenous student matters.
ASONIS maintains that student leadership must remain independent, neutral, and people-centered, not a tool for partisan political interests. The association describes NANS’ endorsement as inappropriate and inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of a national student body.
Student unions, ASONIS argues, exist to protect the welfare, rights, and collective voice of students—not to serve as vehicles for political endorsements that may divide or misrepresent the interests of their constituents.
The association emphasized its unequivocal support for FOSSU, stressing that matters concerning Oyo State students must be handled by their duly recognized structures, free from outside political influence.
ASONIS further cautioned NANS to desist from interfering in indigenous student affairs, especially when such involvement is driven by political bias. Oyo State, the association noted, has a distinct governance and leadership framework that should be respected.
External interference, ASONIS warned, risks destabilizing student unity and undermining the autonomy of state-based student organizations.
Describing student leadership as a “sacred trust,” ASONIS pledged to resist any attempt to override the rights and voices of indigenous student bodies for partisan gain. The association called on stakeholders, student leaders, and concerned Nigerians to stand firm in defense of FOSSU’s integrity.
ASONIS concluded by urging all parties to reject the politicization of student affairs and to uphold the principles of accountability, autonomy, and genuine representation within the student movement.
