By Adesakin Adefemi
In a statement issued by Comrade Kur Isaac Ushahemba, the Global President of the National Association of Nigerian College of Education Students (NANCES), on December 8, 2025, the association has expressed deep concern over attempts to sideline a duly qualified College of Education student participating as a candidate in the forthcoming NANS Zone F (South East Zone) Convention.
The statement, titled “NANCES Condemns Attempted Marginalisation of College of Education Candidate in NANS Zone F Convention”, highlights the case of Comrade Juliet Obinta, a College of Education student who is being targeted for marginalization.
NANCES emphasizes that it will not tolerate any attempts to disenfranchise a student of any College of Education from contesting, participating, or benefiting from the democratic structures of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The association reminds stakeholders that NANS is an umbrella body for all Nigerian students, regardless of institution type, and that every student has the right to vote and be voted for.
NANCES stresses that no organ or bloc of NANS has the authority to intimidate or suppress the political rights of another, and that leadership in NANS has never been limited to a particular institution or category.
The statement cites the example of Comrade Lucky Emonefe, a College of Education student who rose to become President of NANS, as proof that College of Education students can aspire to and hold leadership positions.
NANCES calls on all College of Education students across the South East Zone to stand united and resist every form of intimidation, suppression, or marginalization targeted at their candidate or constituency.
The association reaffirms its commitment to a fair, democratic, and inclusive NANS where every student has equal opportunity to participate and serve.
Comrade Kur Isaac Ushahemba, NANCES President, warns that an injury to one College of Education student is an injury to all, and urges students to defend their collective mandate.
NANCES demands that all stakeholders respect the rights of College of Education students and ensure a level playing field for all candidates in the NANS Zone F Convention.
