NANS Zone 'A' Elects New Executives, Focuses on Student Welfare

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone 'A' has elected new executives to lead the organization for the 2024/2025 academic session. The announcement followed the 38th Elective Congress held on Tuesday in Kaduna, as detailed in a communique signed by Dominic Philip, Chairman of the Communique Drafting Committee, and his deputy, Ahmed Magaji.

The newly elected officials are committed to tackling the pressing issues faced by students across the region, including the rising cost of education and inadequate funding. The congress emphasized its dedication to prioritizing student welfare, stating, “We would work tirelessly to address the challenges facing Nigerian students, particularly the arbitrary increase in school fees and inadequate funding for education.”

NANS Zone 'A' encompasses tertiary institutions across seven states in the North-West region, namely Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara. The congress also highlighted the need for enhanced transportation solutions on campuses, calling on the Federal Government to establish more Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion service stations and provide CNG buses for student transport.

In addition to advocating for improved accessibility to the recently established National Education Loan Fund, NANS expressed deep concern over the exponential rise in school fees across tertiary institutions, urging stakeholders to address this critical issue.

“NANS will continue to advocate for affordable education and better living conditions for Nigerian students,” the communique added, emphasizing a commitment to constructive dialogue in the face of economic challenges and discouraging destructive activities among students.

The congress acknowledged the support of the Kaduna State Government for providing a conducive environment for the event, pledging continued collaboration with the administration of Gov. Uba Sani.

The election process saw participation from 67 accredited delegates from the seven states in the zone, ensuring transparency. The newly elected officials include:

• Said Garba - Coordinator (Bayero University Kano)
• Ibrahim Dikko - Deputy Coordinator (Kebbi University of Science and Technology)
• Bashir Ibrahim - Secretary General (Kaduna State University)
• Mohammed Abdullahi - Financial Secretary (Bayero University Kano)
• Maryam Usman - Treasurer (HUK Poly)
• Firdausi Hamza - Director of Gender
• Gazali Gadanya - Director of Sports
• Abubakar Wamako - PRO
• Al-Amin Salisu - Director of Travels and Exchange
• Habibullahi Bello - Director of Special Duties
• Sadiq Maikano - Ex-Officio

Furthermore, the congress approved the creation of three new directorates, appointing:

• Magaji Kabiru - Director of Peace, Integration, and Reconciliation
• Umar Shuaibu - Director of Gender Equality Matters
• Suleiman Yusuf - Director of Action and Mobilization