NANS Diaspora Stakeholders Fault Envoy Over Students’ Plight

The Stakeholders’ Council and Past Leaders’ Forum of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Diaspora (NANS Diaspora) have declared support for the association’s president, Comrade Chris Juwon Fayomi.

This came amid a brewing row with Nigeria’s acting High Commissioner to Australia.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by the council chairman, Comrade Prince John Ogar, the group reaffirmed its vote of no confidence in the envoy, Ambassador Jane Bassey Adams, citing alleged negligence of Nigerian students in Australia.

The council accused the High Commission of imposing exorbitant service charges and displaying what it described as a nonchalant and unresponsive attitude to the welfare and rights of Nigerians, particularly students.

It warned that “the negative tendencies and maladministration of most of our diplomats towards the people they are sent to serve is gradually becoming a tradition within the diaspora community.”

The stakeholders commended Fayomi for what they termed his courage to speak out against perceived administrative lapses, noting that his actions reflected the collective position of Nigerian students abroad.

“The president has demonstrated bravery in calling out anti-people policies, including the hike in service charges and failures in diplomatic responsibilities,” the statement read.

The group also dismissed claims questioning Fayomi’s legitimacy, insisting that he remained the duly recognised president and “the mouthpiece of Nigerian students in diaspora with the authority to speak on issues affecting them.”

It further alleged that attempts were being made to discredit Fayomi through “sponsored malicious attacks,” urging the public to disregard such claims.

The council called on the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to take “expedite and decisive action” to address what it described as gross negligence and poor representation affecting Nigerians in Australia and other countries.

According to the statement, the advocacy by NANS Diaspora reflects the “day-to-day realities and challenges” faced by Nigerian students and communities across several jurisdictions abroad.