By Khalid Idris Doya A Coalition of Nigerian students (CNG) has described as unfortunate that National Association of Nigerian...
By Khalid Idris Doya
A Coalition of Nigerian students (CNG) has described as unfortunate that National Association of Nigerian students (NANS), a body meant to uphold the interests of Nigerian students, has deviated from its purpose and being used as a tool for baseless attacks and political propaganda.
To this end, the coalition strongly condemns the misleading and politically influenced statement issued by the NANS Senate President against Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, saying the association's attempt to twist remarks on Seyi Tinubu’s so-called philanthropic efforts is nothing more than an intentional misrepresentation designed to mislead the public.
According to the coalition, Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed raised a valid and fundamental concern that governance should not be replaced by politically motivated handouts, that Nigeria’s youth need sustainable solutions, not temporary distractions.
The coalition in a press conference in Bauchi Thursday led by its Northeast Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Saleh Ibrahim Saleh said that philanthropy should complement governance, but not to substitute It.
"Contrary to NANS’ claims, Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed did not criticize philanthropy. Rather, he rightly questioned the exploitation of philanthropy as a political branding tool. The real problem in Nigeria is not a lack of individual generosity but the failure of government structures to provide lasting solutions".
"Handing out cooked food on the streets, as Seyi Tinubu did, is not an empowerment program it is a temporary show that does nothing to change the economic reality of the people. True philanthropy should aim to build capacity, provide long-term support, and uplift communities permanently".
Comrade Saleh Ibrahim stated categorically that Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration has delivered on youth empowerment, saying NANS’ question on how many youths has Bala Mohammed empowered, only exposes the association's ignorance or deliberate misinformation.
Comrade Saleh Saleh cited the
Bauchi state heavy investment in ICT development, innovation hubs, and business incubation centers to provide young people with digital and entrepreneurial skills, to buttress the coalition claim of Governor Bala Mohammed's achievements in youth development.
He added, "Over 20,000 youths have benefited from economic empowerment programs, including vocational training and business startup capital. Kaura Youth and Women Economic Empowerment Programme (KEEP) has disbursed interest-free loans to entrepreneurs, ensuring self-sufficiency rather than dependence".
The CNG queried as ridiculous for NANS to applaud a son of a sitting President for distributing cooked food to hungry citizens as though that is a meaningful contribution to youth empowerment, stressing that Seyi Tinubu's failed 'Philanthropy' must be called out.
"The Double Standards of NANS
instead of questioning why Nigeria’s resources are not being directed into structured youth programs, NANS has chosen to attack Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed a patriotic citizen who has done more for young people than many government officials".
Coalition also queried, "Where was NANS when ASUU was on strike for months, delaying the education of thousands, when public universities increased tuition fees, making education unaffordable, and where graduates were left unemployed with no concrete job creation plans from the federal government?
The coordinator said that unlike Seyi Tinubu’s publicity-driven gestures, Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed has been making real, lasting contributions to young Nigerians, having hundreds of students benefitted from his educational support initiatives, including tuition assistance and scholarship programs.
The Coalition further stated that it stands firm with Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed and firmly rejected the false narratives being pushed by NANS, stressing that it is time for real youth empowerment, not empty philanthropy designed for media attention.
Saleh therefore challenged NANS to redirect its energy towards fighting for the interests of Nigerian students rather than acting as a public relations unit for political figures, emphasizing that youth of Nigeria need business opportunities, education, and employment, not temporary publicity stunts disguised as charity.
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