The National Association of Nigerian Students has declared that it will not participate in protests organized by activist Omoyele Sowore and the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, accusing the group of pursuing political objectives under the guise of activism.
In a statement issued in Abuja, NANS expressed concerns about the movement’s activities, alleging that its protests are driven more by political interests than genuine advocacy.
The association’s president, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, also dismissed reports questioning his status as a student, describing the claims as false and misleading. He maintained that he is a student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology.
Akinteye further criticized Sowore and the Take It Back Movement, arguing that the blending of activism, journalism, and politics has made the group’s intentions difficult to distinguish. According to him, many observers now view the movement as a political organization rather than an independent advocacy platform.
He also claimed that some individuals have associated the movement with groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Eastern Security Network, although no evidence was presented to support the allegation.
The NANS president stressed that the student body would not align with Sowore or the Take It Back Movement in demonstrations related to the abduction of students and teachers across the country.
Instead, he commended organizations such as the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Union of Teachers for their efforts in advocating for victims of kidnapping and supporting affected families.
Akinteye reiterated NANS’ commitment to demanding the release of abducted students and ensuring that authorities remain accountable for addressing insecurity. He added that while the association remains vocal on issues affecting students, it will continue to pursue peaceful and lawful means of engagement and will not support actions that could lead to violence or public disorder.