The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for the removal of Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC), due to his perceived incompetence and conflict of interest. This demand was made during NANS’ 74th Senate sitting in Kano, where the student body expressed its dissatisfaction with the current economic situation in Nigeria.
NANS attributed the country’s economic woes to Kyari’s handling of the Dangote Refinery and his alleged involvement in a fuel racketeering scheme. The student body demanded an immediate reduction in petrol prices, threatening to embark on a nationwide strike if their demands were not met by the Federal Government.
The student body also addressed the issue of arbitrary increases in tuition fees by tertiary institutions, warning against such actions in light of the recent rollout of the student loan scheme by the Federal Government. NANS threatened to take decisive action against any institution that increases tuition fees, stating that it would mobilize its members to protest against such moves.
In a statement signed by its Senate President, Okunomo Adewumi, NANS expressed its dismay and disillusionment with the current economic trajectory, which has led to unprecedented hardship and suffering for Nigerian citizens. The student body called on the government to take immediate action to address these issues.
NANS also demanded that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor take immediate action to stabilize the naira-dollar exchange rate, bringing it down to a maximum of N600 per dollar within 30 days. Failure to comply would result in calls for the CBN Governor’s removal from office.
The student body acknowledged the agitation for a mass protest against the government but urged its members to remain calm and await the Federal Government’s response to their demands. NANS stated that it would not hesitate to mobilize if the government fails to address their concerns.
Finally, NANS mandated its President, Comrade Pedro Obi, to consult with relevant stakeholders and declare the student body’s stance on the planned nationwide protest by July 31, 2024. The student body reaffirmed its commitment to fighting for the rights of Nigerian students and holding the government accountable for its actions.
