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Tag: NANS

  • ADC appoints Deputy National Youth Leader

    ADC appoints Deputy National Youth Leader

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appointed Mr Chinonso Obasi, a former National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), as its Deputy National Youth Leader.

    Obasi’s Personal Assistant on Media, Samson Ogunwoye, communicated this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    “As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the 2027 general elections, the ADC, in its bid to build a formidable front, has appointed Obasi as its Deputy National Youth Leader.

    “Obasi has also previously served as Regional Coordinator for the South-South, Southeast Coordinator of NANS.

    “He also made history as the Pioneer President of the Nigerian Youth Union (NYU) and represented Nigerian students at the 2014 National Confab.’’

    According to Ogunwoye, Obasi is a seasoned youth development consultant and humanitarian known for his boundless benevolence and commitment to youth advocacy.

    “Born on April 27, 1987, he hails from Ebonyi; he holds a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering; he is happily married to Hannah Chinonso, and together they have three children.’’

    He said Obasi had also served as a member of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council in 2015, 2019 and 2023.

    According to Ogunwoye, Obasi’s wealth of experience, professionalism, and strong youth following are expected to play a significant role in his new assignment.

    “The ADC leadership, formerly under the chairmanship of Ralph Nwosu, officially handed over to Sen. David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as Secretary General, alongside other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) on July 28 during its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja,’’ he said.

  • NANS president, Isah released after nearly two months in detention

    NANS president, Isah released after nearly two months in detention

    After nearly two months in custody, the Department of State Services (DSS) released the embattled factional president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Atiku Abubakar Isah, on Thursday, following growing public outcry and legal pressure.

    According to reports, Isah was reportedly handed over to his family and legal team after weeks of delayed bail compliance despite fulfilling all conditions set by the court.

    Earlier in the day, a report had surfaced that the DSS had refused to release Isah, despite the completion of additional paperwork requested on Wednesday.

    Shortly after the report went public, DSS operatives contacted Isah’s family and lawyer, instructing them to come to the Abuja facility to collect him.

    Isah had been arraigned on Tuesday before a Magistrate Court in Abuja, where he appeared wearing black attire, reportedly still recovering from injuries allegedly inflicted by a rival NANS faction.

    He was granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million, with one surety in like sum.

    His lawyer, Marshal Abubakar of Falana & Falana Chambers, disclosed that the DSS charged his client with “inciting public disturbance and impersonating a public officer.”

    “They accused him of inciting students to breach the peace and disrupting a meeting held by a rival NANS faction. They also claim he falsely presented himself as NANS President,” Abubakar said.

    The controversy surrounding Isah’s detention has drawn significant attention, particularly after he accused Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, of offering him a ₦100 million bribe to step down from his role.

    Isah alleged that after he rejected an offer, he was abducted, stripped naked, and assaulted in the presence of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

    He claims that the attack was orchestrated by a rival faction of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by Olusola Ladoja, who is allegedly backed by Seyi Tinubu.

    On May 14, 2025, Isah filed a ₦38.3 billion lawsuit for the enforcement of his fundamental rights at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He is suing the Department of State Services (DSS), the NTA, and Seyi Tinubu for kidnapping, unlawful detention, physical assault, and defamation.

  • Finally, DSS grants family access to detained NANS president

    Finally, DSS grants family access to detained NANS president

    After more than a month in custody without charges, the Department of State Services (DSS) has finally allowed the family of Atiku Abubakar Isah, the embattled President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), to visit him.

    The decision follows increasing public pressure and media scrutiny surrounding his controversial detention.

    Isah has been held incommunicado by the DSS amid a high-profile scandal involving Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His arrest and continued detention have sparked widespread concerns over due process, alleged human rights violations, and political intimidation.

    A family source confirmed that Isah’s wife, accompanied by a relative, her infant child, and a driver, was granted access to see him at the DSS headquarters in Abuja.

    “Barrister Deji Adeyanju reached out and informed us that we had finally been cleared to visit Isah,” the source disclosed.
    “He advised Isah’s wife to call the DSS to confirm, and after she provided her details, they were permitted to enter the facility.”

    Despite being denied access the previous day Monday despite following official procedures and submitting a formal visitation request, the family’s persistence eventually paid off. One relative who had accompanied them earlier had already returned home, assuming Tuesday’s attempt would also be futile.

    “Thankfully, we were let in. His wife was able to see him and speak with him,” the source added.

    Following the visit, Isah’s wife confirmed that he was in stable health, though visibly fatigued from the prolonged ordeal. DSS operatives reportedly reassured her that his release would come soon.

    Mounting Concerns Over Health and Detention Conditions

    The visit came on the heels of intensifying concerns about Isah’s deteriorating health, with activists and legal advocates raising alarms about his welfare. His month-long detention without trial or formal charges has drawn criticism from human rights groups, students’ unions, and civil society organizations.

    Background: A Controversial Bribery Allegation and Assault Claims

    Isah’s ordeal began after he publicly accused Seyi Tinubu of offering him a ₦100 million bribe to step down as NANS President. Isah claimed he rejected the offer, after which he was allegedly abducted, stripped, and beaten in the presence of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), before being transferred to DSS custody.

    He also alleged that a rival faction within NANS reportedly enjoying the backing of Seyi Tinubu attacked him, inflicting severe injuries.

    ₦38.3 Billion Lawsuit Filed Against DSS, NTA, and Seyi Tinubu

    On May 14, 2025, Isah filed a ₦38.3 billion fundamental human rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The suit names the DSS, the NTA, and Seyi Tinubu as defendants, accusing them of abduction, illegal detention, torture, and character defamation.

    He is also seeking a court injunction to prevent further threats to his life and to mandate his immediate release from DSS custody.

  • NANS seals Lagos-Ibadan expressway over alleged NELFUND mismanagement

    NANS seals Lagos-Ibadan expressway over alleged NELFUND mismanagement

    Students under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, blocked the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Camp section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, to protest the alleged mismanagement of N100billion funds allocated to the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

    The blocking of both sides of the busiest highways in the country by the protesting students, however, caused gridlock as the vehicular movement was halted for more than one hour.

    Addressing newsmen from a text jointly signed by the National Vice President, Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs of NANS and the Ogun State Chairman of NANS, Akinbodunse Sileola Felicia and Gabriel Abiola Francis, respectively, Gabriel explained that students were mobilized to block the ever-busy expressway in order to get attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action on the graft discovered in the disbursement of student loans.

    The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and Related Offences (ICPC) in a statement by its spokesperson, Demola Bakare, last Thursday, said the anti-graft agency had launched a comprehensive investigation into discrepancies in the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) student loan disbursements.

    Bakare added that the probe was as a result of reports implicating 51 tertiary institutions in unauthorised deductions of N3,500 to N30,000 from students’ institutional fees funded by NELFUND.

    He noted further that preliminary findings revealed a significant gap in the financial records of the disbursement process.

    While the federal government reportedly allocated N100 billion, only N28.8 billion reached students, leaving N71.2 billion unaccounted for.

    Bakare further informed that the ICPC’s Chairman’s Special Task Force acted swiftly, inviting stakeholders, including the Director General of the Budget Office, the Accountant General of the Federation, Central Bank of Nigeria officials, and NELFUND’s CEO and Executive Director for documentation and interviews.

    The investigation revealed NELFUND received N203.8 billion as of March 19, 2024, comprising N10billion from the Federation Allocation.

  • Delta govt donates two buses to NANS, NADESSTU(Photos)

    Delta govt donates two buses to NANS, NADESSTU(Photos)

    Delta State Government, Tuesday, presented a brand new bus each to the National Association of Nigeria Students/Joint Campus Committee (NANS/JCC) in the state and the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU).

    Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, presented keys of the two buses to the Chairman of NANS/JCC, Comrade Samson Ikpahwore, and NADESSTU National President, Comrade Monday Wiska.

    Delta govt donates two buses to NANS, NADESSTU

    Speaking during the presentation of the buses at Government House, Asaba, Dr. Emu said the gesture of the state government was aimed at facilitating the positive and legal operational activities of the two students associations.

    He explained that the vehicles were meant to convey the students to legitimate occasions, adding that the buses must be used for the benefit of NANS and NADESSTU, even as he warned the students’ leaders not to abuse the privilege of having the buses provided for them by the state government.

    While congratulating the leadership of the two associations for attracting the vehicles to unions in their time, the SSG implored them to be good ambassadors of the state by their conduct and attitude.

    Delta govt donates two buses to NANS, NADESSTU

    “When you paid a courtesy call on the Governor at the Exco Chambers, you came with very many good news; especially when the NANS President declared himself as a Deltan.

    “His Excellency made a lot of commitments and admonitions. He asked you to remain good ambassadors of Nigeria, especially Delta in particular.

    “You must market Delta State. How do you do that? It is through your conduct and attitude because you are an ambassador of the state.

    “These vehicles are to facilitate positive and legal activities. You must use them for the benefit of NANS and NADESSTU. There are two vehicles here; one is for NANS and the other one is for NADESSTU. The vehicles are meant to convey you to legitimate occasions. You are not to abuse the privilege.

    “I want to plead with you that the youth is not the leaders of tomorrow but already of today. Your average age is very significant.

    “So, you are entrusted with leadership roles and responsibilities; please, lead the people you are leading properly. Leadership is holding people by their hands and taking them to their destination.

    “Rhe Governor is a youth- friendly governor. We do scholarships and we pay bursary and that is consistent. Last year alone, we paid bursary two times. So, anywhere any Deltan is, Governor Oborevwori is there,” Dr. Emu added.

    In their separate responses, NANS/JCC Chairman, Comrade Samson Ikpahwore, and the NADESSTU President, Comrade Monday Wiska, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his administration’s magnanimous disposition towards the students community in the state.

    They lauded the Governor for the payment of bursary to students of the state origin, the approval of funds for accreditation of academic programmes in universities, Polytechnics and the Colleges of Education in the state as well as the donation of the two buses, and assured that the donated vehicles would be judiciously utilised.

  • NANS protests exclusion from NELFUND board

    NANS protests exclusion from NELFUND board

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has protested its exclusion from the board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

    This was stated in a letter dated February 13, 2025, addressed to the Managing Director of the fund, Akintunde Sawyerr, and the Chairman of the Board, Jim Ovia, by NANS President, Lucky Emonefe.

    In the letter, which was released to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, Emonefe described the continued exclusion of students as “completely unacceptable”.

    He demanded the immediate inclusion of a student representative in the forthcoming board meeting, threatening to shut down the venue if this was not done.

    The letter, referenced as NANS/VOL1/GA1/A254, was titled: ‘Final Demand for Student Representation in the Scheduled NELFUND Board’.

    According to Emonefe, excluding students from the NELFUND board is akin to shaving a man’s head in his absence.

    “We are writing to express our deep concern and outright discontent over the exclusion of students from the scheduled board meeting of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

    “The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), as the apex student body representing over 50 million students across the country, will not stand idly by while critical decisions affecting our future are made in our absence.

    “As the primary stakeholders and direct beneficiaries of NELFUND, it is completely unacceptable that students are sidelined from deliberations that shape the administration and disbursement of student loans.

    “This fund was created for Nigerian students, and we will have a voice in how it is managed.

    “We are demanding, not requesting, the immediate inclusion of a student representative in this board meeting.

    “Failure to accommodate this legitimate and reasonable demand will result in the total shutdown of the meeting venue by Nigerian students,” he said.

    He further stated that NANS would mobilise en masse to ensure that no meeting takes place unless student representation is secured.

    It will be recalled that President Bola Tinubu, in April 2024, assented to the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act, 2024.

    The Act provides for board members drawn from relevant ministries, regulatory bodies, and participating agencies.

    These include the Federal Ministries of Finance and Education, Federal Inland Revenue Service, National Identity Management Commission, National Universities Commission, representatives of tertiary institution students, the organised private sector, and others.

  • Monumental strides: NANS inducts Oborevwori into its Hall of Fame(Photos)

    Monumental strides: NANS inducts Oborevwori into its Hall of Fame(Photos)

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Tuesday, inducted Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori into its Hall of Fame, following what it termed his monumental infrastructural and human capital development across the state.

    The induction was performed by the Global President of NANS, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, when he led members of the National Executive Committee, NEC, of the association on a courtesy visit to the Governor at Government House, Asaba.

    Comrade Emonefe, a Deltan, said Governor Oborevwori’s phenomenal development strides were visible to all Deltans in particular and Nigerians as a whole, a development he said, singled him out for the honour, and assured him of the continued support of the students’ body in advancing his administration’s MORE Agenda for the good of Deltans.

    He said the upgrade of infrastructural facilities in the state -owned tertiary institutions, the renovation of 150 health centres, the appointment of youths into his cabinet and the training and empowerment of youths had endeared the Governor to all, even as he appealed to him not to relent in the fulfillment of all his campaign promises to Deltans.

    Comrade Emonefe said the other Award of Excellence bestowed on Governor Oborevwori was in appreciation of his passionate commitment to ensuring that the education sector of the state economy received its pride of place in the scheme of things.

    On the regular monitoring of projects, the NANS leader appealed to the Governor to sustain the tempo of inspection so that Deltans would get value for money spent on the projects.

    He said, “we bring to you greetings of solidarity from the national headquarters of the National Association of Nigerian Students.

    “We are very happy to be in Delta State Government House today. NANS is the umbrella body of all Nigerian students and we are happy that, in your time, a Deltan emerged as the National and Global President of NANS.

    “Since you emerged as the Governor of Delta State, good things have continued to happen. We now have a Deltan as NANS President and we have also heard about the activities of Julius Berger in Delta State.

    “We are aware of your good deeds in the education sector and all the other sectors of this state. On that note, the leadership of NANS has resolved to induct you into the Hall of Fame of NANS.

    “We are aware of the numerous projects you are doing in the state and how you take out time to monitor them. The leadership of NANS has mandated me to thank you.

    “We also thank you for your continuous payment of bursary to students of Delta State origin. On record, we are aware that you have approved two payments of busary in one year”.

    Responding, Governor Oborevwori who thanked the students’ body for the honour done him, said the vision of his administration was to ensure that residents of the state had affordable quality education at all levels, even as he pledged to continue to implement policies and programmes that would impact positively on the lives of the people.

    While congratulating the NANS President on making Deltans proud, he said the inclusion of youths in his cabinet was to give them the platform to showcase their talents, pointing out that they were all doing well.

    On bursary, the Governor said over 30,000 students of the state origin were benefitting from the scheme, stressing that a lot was being done to fast track the all -round development of the state.

    While reeling out the numerous people- oriented programmes of his administration, he sued for the sustained support of all in taking the state to a higher level of sustainable development.

    “It is my pleasure to welcome all of you to Government House. Your election as NANS president is a great encouragement to the student body.

    “I have listened to you carefully and I thank you for your commendations. When I came in, I just felt that we needed to bring in the young ones. We did that so that they can be mentored by the older ones and today, they are doing very well.

    “I believe in education; it is the source of one’s life. What you can give to your people is education. When you do that, you have given them a platform to stand. And that is exactly what we are doing. You can see that today, we are the only state with four public universities.

    “On the issues of the bursary, since I came in, we have paid not less than 30,000 students. So, we look into the issue of increasing the bursary.

    “We have also not increased school fees like some states have done. I tried to even reduce admission fees to enable our students go to the university.

    “We shall continue to support our students to make it easier for them to succeed in their education,” Governor Oborevwori said.

  • NANS debunks protest over appointment of Super Eagles coach

    NANS debunks protest over appointment of Super Eagles coach

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has debunked a reported plan to protest the appointment of Eric Chelle as Super Eagles head coach.

    The dissociation was announced in a statement signed on Friday by the association’s Senate President, Afeez Akinteye.

    According to Akinteye, the association’s attention has been drawn to a frivolous and mischievous report credited to someone who claims to be the clerk of the NANS Senate.

    He said the self-acclaimed clerk had purportedly threatened a nationwide protest by NANS over the appointment of Chelle as the new coach.

    “It is imperative to categorically state that this position is baseless, fraudulent, and does not represent the stance of the leadership of NANS nor does it reflect the sentiments of Nigerian students nationwide.

    “For the record, the said person holds no position in the organization as claimed.

    “Ergo and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should disregard the threat of protest.

    “Thus, we unequivocally dissociate ourselves from the disingenuous utterances of these self-appointed individuals, whose credentials and affiliation with NANS are dubious at best,” he said.

    Akinteye said, evidently, those behind the purported protest were attempting to exploit the respected name of NANS for nefarious blackmail and financial inducement.

    “We call on security agencies to immediately invite and investigate these impostors for impersonation and an attempt to incite public unrest.

    “Their recklessness constitutes a direct affront to the credibility and integrity of NANS as an institution.

    “To the media, we express our disappointment in the unprofessionalism exhibited by platforms that lent their voices to these fallacious claims without verifying the authenticity of their sources.

    “It is the duty of reputable media outlets to uphold journalistic standards and desist from amplifying unsubstantiated narratives.

    “The press must demonstrate more responsibility by verifying the identities and affiliations of individuals before granting them access to platforms capable of influencing public perception,” he said.

    According to him, NANS acknowledges and respects the prerogative of NFF to make technical decisions they believe will advance the fortunes of Nigerian football.

    “We implore the NFF to remain resolute in its professional decisions and ignore the empty threats of protest by nonentities masquerading as NANS representatives.

    “However, we strongly urge the NFF to extend their scouting activities to Nigerian campuses, where a plethora of untapped football talents reside,” he said.

    According to him, NFF can do this by creating a pipeline that identifies, develops, and promotes homegrown players.

    “By this, the federation will be making a strategic investment in the future of Nigerian football.

    “Ultimately, let it be known that no organ of NANS, at any level, has endorsed or proposed any protest against the appointment of Eric Sekou Chelle as the Super Eagles coach.

    “Any claims to the contrary are the concoctions of desperate impostors whose agenda remains suspect and antithetical to the progress of Nigerian students,” Akinteye said.

  • ‘WAHALA’ BREWING; NANS demands immediate reversal of Chelle’s appointment as Super Eagles coach

    ‘WAHALA’ BREWING; NANS demands immediate reversal of Chelle’s appointment as Super Eagles coach

    Members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Thursday protested the appointment of Eric Sekou Chelle as the substantive coach of the Super Eagles.

    NANS held a protest on Thursday at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta to register their displeasure, calling on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to reverse the appointment with immediate effect.

    Led by the clerk of the Senate, Abdul Yekini Odunayo, NANS condemned the appointment and said it fell short of the expectations of Nigerians and football enthusiasts.

    The students also threatened to embark on a nationwide protest to drive home their demand and called for the appointment of a better coach who tactical and can harness the abundant talents abound in the country.

    “We are gathered here today to address an issue that has not only baffled us but has also drawn widespread disapproval from Nigerian students and sports enthusiasts alike,” Odunayo said.

    “On behalf of the National Association of Nigerian Students, I, Abdul-Yekinn Odunayo, Clerk of the Senate of NANS National Headquarters, wish to categorically express our displeasure over the appointment of Eric Sekou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

    “This appointment, as announced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), is not only unacceptable but also a slap in the face of our nation’s abundant pool of local coaching talent. Consequently, NANS, as the voice of the Nigerian students, is compelled to organise a national protest to demand a reversal of this decision.”

    On Tuesday, NFF confirmed the appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as Head Coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

    His appointment is with immediate effect, and he has the responsibility of guiding the Super Eagles to earn a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, with the next round of matches (Matchdays 5 & 6) taking place in March.

    Chelle, who won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali and coached clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne and MC Oran, has been Head Coach of the Aiglons since 2022.

    Chelle was appointed manager of Mali and was dismissed on 13 June 2024.

  • FG hands over 64 CNG buses to labour unions, NANS

    FG hands over 64 CNG buses to labour unions, NANS

    The Federal Government has handed over 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

    The handover of the buses took place on Sunday at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary.

    Mr Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, led the government delegation to the handover ceremony.

    The delegation included Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, and Mr Ayodele Olawande, Minister of State for Youth Development.

    Edun said when deployed for commuter service, the buses would significantly reduce transportation costs in the country, bringing hope for a more affordable and efficient public transport system.

    He described the distribution of the buses as fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s promise to provide affordable and efficient transportation to support Nigerians after the removal of fuel subsidies under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PCNGi).

    He emphasised that this initiative aimed to alleviate the burden on the poor and vulnerable and support macroeconomic reforms that would position the country on the path to economic stability.

    The Minister further explained that the symbolic handover of 64 buses on the eve of Nigeria’s National Day marked the beginning of a broader national rollout.

    He said the Federal Government planned to distribute over 500 CNG buses and 100 electric vehicles in the first instance.

    He added that the CNG initiative aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to cleaner energy while leveraging its energy resources for industrialisation.

    “Today marks another critical milestone in the policies of President Tinubu. It is a transition to cleaner fuel. The emphasis is on mass transit,” said the minister.

    He said the Federal Government placed emphasis on intervening on the side of workers to ensure cheaper transport to enable them cope with rising prices.

    He also highlighted the CNG initiative impacted on inflation, saying: “We’ve had an initial spike in inflation, now it has peaked, and it is coming down.

    “Mr President and the whole team are determined to ensure that we keep inflation coming down, and this is one of the major ways.”

    The Coordinating Minister of the Economy noted that the fuel cost for CNG-powered vehicles was about one-third of the fuel for petrol-powered vehicles.

    According to him, motorists can now pay as low as N15,000 to fill a tank instead of N50,000 or more.

    “Today, it is CNG. Tomorrow, it will be helping farmers to cope with the remainder of the wet season planting and then the dry season planting, starting from November, with fertiliser, inputs, seeds, and herbicides.

    “This is all to get prices down and get the economy moving again,” he said.

    Comrade Nuhu Toro, the Secretary-General and Chief Executive of TUC; Comrade Lucky Emonefe, NANS president, and Comrade Uche Ekwe, the Head of International Desk, NLC, commended Tinubu for the gesture.

    They called for more CNG buses to be made available to the public.

    Toro thanked the President for implementing the N70,000 new national minimum wage.

    “This move is a significant step in alleviating the economic burden of Nigerian workers,” he said.

    Emonefe praised the government for its commitment to education and student welfare, citing the provision of a student loan scheme for higher education.

    “Nigerian students are happy to be celebrating the 64th anniversary of independence.

    “We are not only happy with the CNG buses; we believe that the current President loves the welfare of students and has shown his commitment to this,” said Emonefe.

    The NLC representative noted that the benefits of the CNG buses would become more apparent once more buses were deployed across the country.

    “If we get more buses, the effect will translate immediately to Nigerians. If people start entering these buses, they will publicise it in the public and their neighbourhood,” he said.

    Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director/Chief Executive of PCNGi, said that since its establishment one year ago, over 125 conversion centres had been established, compared to the initial seven.

    He said investment in the sector had exceeded 175 million dollars, with 12 new mother stations commissioned and 75 more under construction.

    “Technician training is being ramped up, with 40 new technicians trained weekly. Over 34,000 conversion kits have been ordered, with more than half already distributed,” he said.

    He added that vehicle conversions were taking place at 53 centres in eight states, and that the centres would be expanded to all the 36 states and the FCT.