There was once a time when the mention of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) evoked respect, admiration, and even a measure of awe. It was the umbrella body that nurtured and propelled some of Nigeria’s finest minds into national service. Names like Lanre Arogundade, Rotimi Amaechi, Opeyemi Bamidele, Francis Shuaibu, Emeka Ezeazu, and Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim remind us of an era when NANS was a noble platform, a bastion of selfless activism, and a voice for truth.
Regrettably, today’s NANS appears to have moved away from that proud legacy. The latest press statement from its leadership, calling for the sack of WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, is disappointing and highlights the increased politicisation of what was once Nigeria’s most authentic student movement.
To clarify, WAEC is widely considered a credible and resilient institution in Africa. For over seventy years, it has administered examinations that impact millions of people. While not perfect, its transparent approach to challenges maintains its reputation. Accusations against it, especially those made by a small group claiming to represent students, lack substance and do not accurately reflect the institution’s established track record.
The allegations raised by this faction of NANS lack substantial support. Claims of “systemic failure,” “mass failure,” and “exams conducted late into the night” may be considered strong, but disruptions to examinations, whether due to logistics, weather, or security issues, are not unique to WAEC and do not necessarily undermine the integrity of the process. Furthermore, NANS has not provided any independent evidence to support these broad allegations. As a result, it appears that the group may be acting in response to concerns over WAEC’s rigorous standards rather than clear evidence of wrongdoing.
NANS today seems to operate differently from the past. While it was once guided by ideology and patriotism, there is now a perception that pecuniary interests and external influences play a larger role. Each administration of the body appears increasingly involved in exerting influence, sometimes at the expense of genuine student welfare. This recent vote of “no confidence” in WAEC may be viewed as a political move that undermines the credibility of the association and does a disservice to Nigerian students.
Dr. Dangut and his team at WAEC deserve commendation, not vilification. The challenges they manage are enormous: conducting exams across multiple states with security concerns, ensuring integrity amid rising cases of exam malpractice, deploying technology to reduce leaks, and restoring confidence in a system that millions of families depend on. That WAEC continues to deliver in the face of these pressures is a testament to strong leadership, not failure.
If today’s NANS drew inspiration from its forebears, it might focus on constructive engagement, offering thoughtful solutions, collaborating with WAEC to reduce malpractice, and advocating for policies that make education more affordable and accessible. While its recent actions have sparked concern, there remains potential for NANS to prioritise positive advocacy over adversarial approaches.
The tragedy of NANS’ decline is not just its own loss, but a loss to Nigerian society, which once looked to students as the conscience of the nation. When students led, governments listened. When students spoke, people trusted them. Now, when NANS shouts, Nigerians wonder: “Who paid for this press release?”
WAEC must not be distracted. It must continue its reforms, strengthen its processes, and remain focused on its core mission: providing credible and fair assessments for West African students. The voices of a few politicised pretenders cannot drown out the decades of trust that WAEC has earned from millions of families across the region.
The student body might benefit from introspection. NANS could strive to rediscover its noble heritage to strengthen its moral authority to advocate for Nigerian students. In the meantime, Nigerians need to distinguish between genuine advocacy and actions that may be influenced by other factors.
Currently, WAEC remains a symbol of regional cooperation, academic integrity, and institutional resilience. NANS, meanwhile, faces challenges in living up to its significant history and potential.

Achimugu wrote in from Lagos.