A presidential aspirant of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Olamilekan Alex, has raised concerns over what he described as the growing politicisation of the student movement.
He warned that the alleged manipulation of Nigeria's electoral system cannot guarantee legitimacy for any government perceived as anti-people.
Olamilekan, a student of Lagos State University, made the remarks on Sunday shortly after submitting his expression of interest form ahead of the association's national convention scheduled for May 24 in Abuja.
Positioning his candidacy as a reform agenda, the aspirant said his ambition was driven by the need to "halt the growing madness" of NANS becoming an appendage of the government in power.
He described himself as a "clear-headed student leader" rooted in the progressive traditions of Great Ife.
"NANS must return to its historic role as a vibrant, independent voice for Nigerian students, not a tool in the hands of political authorities.
"The integrity and legacy of our association must be protected at all costs," he said.
Founded in 1980, NANS has historically played a significant role in Nigeria's socio-political landscape, particularly during periods of military rule when it emerged as a vocal advocate for student rights and democratic governance.
However, in recent years, the association has faced criticism from stakeholders who argue that it has become increasingly aligned with political interests, thereby diminishing its influence as an independent pressure group.
Nigeria's broader political environment has also come under scrutiny.
While the country operates Africa's largest democracy with over 93 million registered voters as of the 2023 general elections, concerns about electoral credibility, voter apathy, and institutional independence persist among civil society groups and analysts.
Student leaders have traditionally been at the forefront of protests against policies affecting education, including tuition hikes, strikes by university unions, and cost-of-living pressures.
Recent economic reforms -- such as fuel subsidy removal and currency adjustments -- have triggered inflationary pressures, with Nigeria's inflation rate hovering above 30 per cent in early 2024 and 2025, intensifying hardship for many students.
Olamilekan called on students nationwide to unite against what he termed "hardship policies" of the current administration, urging collective action to demand accountability and people-oriented governance.
"This is a defining moment for Nigerian students. We must stand together to resist policies that deepen inequality and erode our future," he said.
He pledged to provide "courageous and principled leadership" if elected, promising to reposition NANS as a respected and independent advocacy platform.
Delegates are expected to elect new executives at the Abuja convention, with campaigns already intensifying among aspirants seeking to shape the future direction of the student body.