Forum of Zonal Coordinators of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has warned the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Dayo Israel, against organising political programmes on campuses without consulting recognised student leadership structures.

In a statement issued and signed by all six zonal coordinators, and made available to journalists on Monday, the forum said it observed with concern reported plans by Israel to hold political programmes across tertiary institutions in collaboration with some state governments.

The students said the approach was unacceptable because it excluded NANS executives, state Joint Campus Committee (JCC) leaderships, and Students’ Union structures.

“We find this approach unacceptable. Nigerian students must not be treated merely as a population to be mobilised, counted or used to justify proposals for funding while their legitimate representatives are deliberately excluded,” the statement read.

“As the saying goes, anything done for us without us is against us.”

The forum said its concern was not about political recognition or patronage, but about transparency, accountability, proper coordination, and the safety of students.

With elections approaching and political tensions rising in several states, the coordinators warned that campuses must not be exposed to partisan rivalry, political thuggery, intimidation, or avoidable security threats.

“Any political programme involving students or taking place within tertiary institutions must therefore be handled with utmost caution and in consultation with the recognised leadership of the student body,” it added.

The group specifically cautioned Israel against turning campuses into mobilisation grounds while sidelining structures responsible for student welfare and security.

It added that the student constituency must not be exploited for political advantage or used as a platform for accessing public funds without openness and genuine participation.

The NANS zonal coordinators also called on state governments and managements of tertiary institutions to place the safety, welfare, and academic stability of students above political affiliation or personal interest.

“No institution should permit politically sensitive programmes on its campus without proper security assessment, institutional neutrality and consultation with student leadership,” the statement said.

The forum said it remains open to constructive engagement with all political parties and stakeholders, but will resist any attempt to appropriate, exploit, or endanger the Nigerian student population under the guise of youth or campus engagement.

“Our campuses are centres of learning, not political feeding grounds,” the coordinators said. (Nigerian Tribune)