Atiku Abubakar who served as Nigerian Vice President under President Olusegun Obasanjo has made it clear that he will run for Presidency in the 2027 election. This came against the background of speculation that he might not contest the next election. Atiku’s new position was made public by his 2023 campaign spokesperson, Tunde Olusunle, in an interview with Thisday newspaper. Tunde Olusunle quoted Atiku as saying: “I will run in 2027. Nigeria needs to be decisively rescued from the intensive care unit (ICU) it has been consigned to. The degeneration in our country, the level of poverty and pain, the anguish, is unacceptable.” Atiku, who contested for the nation’s Presidency on the platform of the People’s Democratic Part (PDP) in the 2023 general election, reassured his supporters that the new coalition, African Democratic Congress (ADC) would “shock the world” in the 2027 presidential election, despite what he described as attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to discredit them. He said that the current government of Bola Tinubu is full of what he called “unprecedented theft,” stressing the urgent need to rescue the nation. Atiku stressed that his intention to run for election in the coalition is to challenge the status quo in 2027. “The accompanying deceit, the loss of values, the mega-scale, unimpeded thievery and the absolute lack of accountability must disturb every concerned patriot. ”I will be offering myself to lead the reclamation and reconstruction of our traumatised homeland, ” Olusunle quoted Atiku as saying.
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.
In some Islamic societies and in the years past, a lot of gathering of yet high level personalities from different parts of the country and the world, would have gathered in Daura, the country home of the immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari to pray, in observance of the 40-day Fidau for him. Muhammadu Buhari, it would be recalled, died on Sunday, July 13, 2025 in a London medical facility after an illness. Apart from the state burial rightly accorded him by the government of his friend and successor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the nation also observed three day Fidau (special prayer) for him. In some societies, especially in Africa, another special prayer would have been organized for today, August 23, after 40 days of his being committed to the mother earth. However, it is not to happen because it has been confirmed that there is no text making the 40-day prayer a requirement. In Islam; there is no prescribed 40-day prayer for the dead in the Qur’an or the authentic Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The essence of prayer for the dead (duʿāʾ and janāzah prayer) is to seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy for the deceased, and this can be done at any time, not fixed to a specific number of days. As a matter of fact, 40-day prayers and anniversaries are regarded as cultural practices in some Muslim communities (especially in parts of Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East). The idea is to gather, pray, and remember the deceased. However, scholars explain that while praying itself is good, fixing it to 40 days is not from the Sunnah — it’s more of a tradition than a religious obligation. However, the essence of prayers generally is to comfort the grieving family and encourage continued duʿāʾ and remembrance of Allah. It is also meant to remind the living of death and the Hereafter and to ask Allah to forgive and have mercy on the deceased. Which is what we, at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine, are doing today, and encourage lovers of late President Muhammadu Buhari to continue to do so without season and without seizing.
Federal Government, States and the Local Governments have shared a total of N2.001 trillion federation revenue for the month of July 2025. A statement today, August 22, by the Director of Press and Public relations in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa, said that the revenue was shared at the August 2025 Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting held in Abuja. The statement said that the N2.001 trillion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N1,282.872 trillion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N640.610 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N37.601 billion, Exchange Difference N39.745 billion. It said that the communiqué by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) indicated that total gross revenue of N3,836.980 trillion was available in the month of July 2025. It said that total deduction for cost of collection was N152,681 billion while total transfers, interventions, refunds and savings was N1,683.471 trillion. According to the communiqué, gross statutory revenue of N3,070.127 trillion was received for the month of July 2025. This was lower than the sum of N3,485.235 trillion received in the month of June 2025 by N415.108 billion. Gross revenue of N687.940 billion was available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) in July 2025. This was higher than the N678.165 billion available in the month of June 2025 by N9.775 billion. The communiqué said that from the N2,000.828 trillion total distributable revenue, the Federal Government received total sum of N735.081 billion and the State Governments received total sum of N660.349 billion. The Local government Council received N485.039 billion, while the sum of N120.359 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting State as derivation revenue. On the N1,282.872 trillion distributable statutory revenue, the communiqué said that the Federal Government received N613.805 billion and the State Governments received N311.330 billion. The Local Government Councils received N240.023 billion and the sum of N117.714 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue. From the N640.610 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, the Federal Government received N96.092 billion, the State Governments received N320.305 billion and the Local Government Councils received N224.214 billion. A total sum of N5.640 billion was received by the Federal Government from the N37.601 billion, The State Governments received N18.801 billion and the Local Government Councils received N13.160 billion. From the N39.745 billion Exchange Difference, the communiqué stated that the Federal Government received N19.544 billion and the State Governments received N9.913 billion. Local Government Councils received N7.643 billion, while the sum of N2.643 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue. In July 2025, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Oil and Gas Royalty, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) and Excise Duty increased significantly while Value Added Tax (VAT) and import Duty increased marginally. Companies Income Tax (CIT) and CET Levies recorded decreases.
The Akogun of Ife-Olukotun in Kogi West Senatorial District, Alhaji Isiaq Ajibola has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo Over the death of his father, Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Ododo. This came even as the publisher and Editor-in-chief of Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper, Yusuf Ozi-Usman nipr and De Noble Club 10 Kogi Central, expressed sympathy to the Governor. In a condolence message on behalf of the Greenbarge Media and Communications Limited based in Abuja, Nigeria federal capital, the Editor-in-chief asked the Governor to take solace in the God-fearing life his father lived.
… Prince Ajibola In a condolence message to the Governor, Ajibola, who is co-founder of Media Trust Limited, publisher of Daily Trust, Weekly Trust and Hausa version, “Aminiya,” noted that although the death of a father is always painful, but asked Governor Ododo to take solace in the fact that the late Alhaji Momohsani lived a humble and impactful life. He said that the late patriarch left behind a shining legacy of simplicity, humility, and good leadership, “the virtues which his son has clearly embodied in his own life and service.” He observed that it is no surprise that the news of the passing of his father attracted a deluge of condolence messages from within Kogi State and across the country, describing it as a testament to the respect and admiration the late Alhaji Momohsani commanded. The Akogun prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the shortcomings of the departed, admit him into Aljannatul Firdausi, and grant the Governor and the entire Ododo family, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Yusuf Ozi-Usman
This was even as the publisher of Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper described the departed Momohsani as a man of peace. He said that the deceased was known as promoter of Ebira culture apart from being a philanthropist. He prayed to Allah to forgive all his shortcomings and admit him in Aljanatu Firdausi, and to grant the governor and his siblings the Fortitude to bear the loss. Also De Noble Club 10 Kogi Central commiserated with Governor Ododo, praying Allah to grant his late father Aljannah Firdausi. In a condolence message signed by its President, Alhaji Abdullahi Kayode Mamman, De Noble Club 10 Kogi Central prayed to Allah to grant the immediate family, Ebiraland and Kogi State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. The Club expressed happiness over the fulfilled life of the man, noting that the Governor inherited a humility trait of the father. The Club commended the Governor for the great strides his government has made in some areas, urging him to do more for the benefit of the people.
In recent times, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has come under an unusual and disproportionate weight of allegations. Petitions after petitions that are compiled to the volume of an encyclopedia lie in our archive. Hardly does an investigation into one of these petitions arise without being sensationalized in the media. It appears as if the media have found NAHCON a perpetual target for criticism.
Yet, we must pause and reflect: why is NAHCON subjected to such constant public trial in the court of opinion, when other agencies undergoing similar or even deeper investigations are not placed under such intense scrutiny? The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigates individuals, institutions, and agencies on a daily basis. This is a normal and necessary function in any system that seeks accountability. But unlike with NAHCON, these investigations are not broadcast with such eagerness or amplified in ways that damage reputations before facts are even established. Why then is the media treating NAHCON differently? As well as fabricating stories to sell their trade. It is important to emphasize that a petition does not equate guilt. Petitions are often written by individuals based on assumptions, allegations, misinformation, or personal grievances. By law, they are only allegations until proven otherwise. The EFCC, in its professional capacity, invites officers for questioning not because they are guilty, but to allow them to provide clarity, supporting documents, and explanations. This process helps the EFCC to verify whether the claims are true, false, misunderstood, or baseless. Only after this thorough examination does the Anti Corruption Commission decide whether a case should proceed to court or be dismissed for lack of evidence. This is how strong systems of justice work: truth is tested by evidence, not by hearsay or media sensationalism. Yet, in NAHCON’s case, the opposite seems to happen—allegations are treated as convictions, and whispers are magnified into scandals. This is unfair not only to the institution but also to the ordinary Muslims who rely on NAHCON to organize and safeguard their religious journey of Hajj. A key principle of Islam is fairness. Allah (SWT) warns believers not to act on hearsay without investigation: “lest you harm people in ignorance and afterwards become regretful.” It is, therefore, un-Islamic to rush to judgment over every rumor surrounding NAHCON. The hallmark of a good Muslim is to investigate, verify, and uphold justice before forming an opinion. Furthermore, the secrecy surrounding investigations is intentional. EFCC officials, as experts, do not disclose sensitive information indiscriminately. Sometimes even the individual being investigated does not know the full scope of the inquiry until much later. Therefore, it is most likely the petitioners themselves, eager for validation, who leak stories to the media in the hope of tarnishing reputations. Because only they know what they have written. Should society reward this mischief by amplifying their claims without context? Some of these claims now being quoted as aspects under investigation have been in the media long before NAHCON’s return from the offshore assignment. Take for instance a report claiming that NAHCON’S Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA) was still in custody at the time of the journalist filing the report. That he was also detained over another “ ….case of fund diversion dating back to the tenure of former chairman, Ahmad Jalal Arabi.” EFCC will never reveal this because this is a man who never shared office with Malam Jalal Arabi even for an hour. DFA was posted from the Account General’s office in February after the former DFA was promoted to the rank of Permanent Secretary. That is six months ago. Aminu was not detained nor was he in detention as at the time of filing that report. But his reputation was rubbished in the media because someone did not do his or her job. At its core, NAHCON exists to serve pilgrims and manage a highly delicate operation that affects millions of Nigerians. To weaken it through unending, unproven allegations is to harm the very system that ensures our brothers and sisters can fulfill their religious obligation of Hajj. We should demand accountability, yes, but not through mob judgment, not through unfair media trials, and not through a climate of perpetual suspicion. Judgement from afar is a mirage, approach it and the truth appears. Let investigations follow due process. The call today is simple: please let NAHCON be. Allow the Commission to work, and let justice—not hearsay—be the measure by which we assess its officers. To do otherwise is to deny fairness, undermine trust, and harm the very institution meant to serve the Nigerian Muslim community going on pilgrimage.
Fatima Sanda Usara is Assistant Director, Media and public affairs in NAHCON.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Muslims’ National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman has said that the Commission is committed to transparency in the conduct of its mandate. He said: “The Commission is committed to collaboration, fairness, and transparency.“ Professor Usman spoke at the post-Hajj stakeholders’ meeting with Licensed Tour Operator Companies today, August 21, at the Hajj House in Abuja. Professor Usman expressed deep appreciation to the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, private tour operators, and service providers for their immense contributions to the success of the 2025 Hajj operations. He acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which enabled Nigerian pilgrims to perform Hajj with dignity, comfort and peace of mind. This was even as the Commissioner of Operations in NAHCON, Prince Anofiu Elegushi cautioned stakeholders to strictly follow the official Saudi Hajj calendar and make early preparations. “The Saudi Arabia has made it very clear — the dates on their calendar will not be extended by even a minute. “Gone are the days when you could beg for extra weeks to process visas. For 2026, if the portal closes today, it closes today.” He reminded stakeholders of the 2025 experience, where many assumed that Saudi authorities would grant extensions but missed deadlines and consequently lost participation slots. Prince Elegushi reflected on the unexpected challenges during Arafat 2025, calling the experience a valuable lesson for the upcoming season. “What happened in 2025 has given us insight and direction,” he said. “We must learn from it, plan better, and work faster. The Saudi system has changed, and we must adapt quickly.” The NAHCON Commissioner of Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance (PPMF), Prince Aliu AbdulRazaq, briefed participants on refunds, pending complaints and payment processes. He asked licensed tour operators to make early and timely payments for all Hajj-related obligations, saying that Saudi authorities will not grant extensions for contractual agreements or visa processing in 2026. The Commissioner of Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar Yagawal also commended tour operators on their 2025 Hajj successful outing and conduct. He called on all for continued cooperation with the Commission and ensure early payment and preparations for an improved 2026 Hajj experience for the Nigerian Pilgrim. The Director of Inspectorate and Compliance, Alhaji Alidu Shutti, described the session as one of the most productive engagements between NAHCON management and licensed tour operators in recent times and praised the NAHCON leadership for approving and coordinating the meeting.
The Nigerian government has shut down about 13,597,057 social media accounts for what was described as “offensive contents and violations of the code of practice,” committed by their users. The social media platforms are TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and X. The promoters of interactive computer service platforms such as Google, Microsoft and TikTok, among others, made this known in the Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report submitted to the government. The Code of Practice was issued jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The 2024 report is titled: ‘Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report Highlights Social Media Platforms’ Efforts on Online Harm Protection’. In a statement today , August 20, the spokesperson for NITDA, Hadiza Umar, said that a total of 58,909,112 offensive contents were taken down from various platforms. The government agency commended Google, Microsoft and TikTok for their continued compliance with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries and noted that 754,629 registered complaints were received. The NITDA spokesperson said that 420,439 pieces of content were removed and re-uploaded following appeals by users. “The compliance reports provide valuable insights into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and the platforms’ community guidelines. “The submission of these reports marks a significant step towards fostering a safer and responsible digital environment for Nigerian users. “We remain committed to working with industry players, civil society, and regulatory partners to further strengthen user safety measures, enhance digital literacy, and promote trust and transparency in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”
Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello joined his successor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to console the wife of Momohsani Ahmed (father of Governor Ododo) who died yesterday, August 18 and his remains buried today, August 19, in Okene, Kogi State. We at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine in Abuja also join in condoling with Governor Ododo and the family of late Momohsani Ahmed.
Former Chief spokesperson of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Femi Soneye has described Nigerian media as the most vibrant in Africa. Soneye, who is the publisher of Per Second online newspaper, noted that the same media has been weakened by what he called “systemic challenges.” He spoke today, August 19, after being honoured with the NUJ FCT Excellence in Corporate Communications Award from the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the FCT Council. According to him, despite being one of Africa’s most vibrant media landscapes, the Nigerian media continues to face systemic challenges that hinder its effectiveness. “The Nigerian media remains one of the most vibrant in Africa, but it also faces systemic challenges—financial, political, legal, and technological—that weaken its effectiveness. “The government can play a supportive role by granting tax incentives or relief on import duties for newsprint, broadcast equipment, and digital infrastructure.” Soneye called on the Federal Government to establish an independent media development fund to support investigative journalism, community radio, and newsroom innovation, drawing parallels with models in South Africa, the Unitedy States, and Canada. He stressed the need for the federal government to provide the Nigerian media with specific support, such as tax relief and waivers on import duties for crucial media equipment. The NUJ leadership, headed by Chairperson, Grace Ike, along with the Deputy Chairman, and Secretary-General, as well as other executives, recognized Soneye as a skilled professional who has demonstrated distinction and excellence in the field of communications. The chairperson said: “You have talked so much about ethical journalism, ensuring that journalists balance the story to make sure that it is devoid of misinformation, and for us, that is exactly what we need in the society we are in, to ensure that we report accurately. “You contributed your quota to the profession, and as they say, a journalist is always a journalist. We reckon with you as an icon, as a veteran in the profession, and your role and contribution cannot be overemphasised. “So we decided to make our way here to visit you, to let you know that we value you as an awardee, not just an awardee, but as one of us, to let you know that we still need you in the profession, and we will turn to you whenever the need arises.” Congratulating Femi Soneye, Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ-FCT Council Secretary, said that his track record speaks for itself. “As a professional in the field of communications, both in the profession and on the government side, you have made your impact, and this will continue to speak for you, anywhere you go, and in all your endeavours. “Apart from your work, you have touched lives. You have impacted beyond your brief, and that is the essence of humanity, which you have brought to your job. So, once again, I want to congratulate you.” This was even as the Special Assistant on Data Analytics to the Cross Rivers State Governor, Mr. Ebriku John Friday, said that he appreciated Soneye’s expertise, experience, and charisma in promoting NNPC, and his willingness to engage with journalists. “You have consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, responding promptly and clarifying issues, which has earned you respect in the industry. “I read two days ago your article on Canada targeting many political parties as a terrorist group. In fact, it was even your article that exposed the thing that happened in Canada, and government had to react to it immediately. “I thank you so much, and we will continue to follow that big step you have already put forward to us.”
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
… Prince Ajibola
NANS’ Politicisation And Campaign Against WAEC, By MaryJane Achimugu
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.