Stop Dragging Us Into Politics, Ogun Students Tell Politicians

The National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) has distanced itself from the ongoing political exchanges surrounding the alleged campaign refund controversy involving politicians in Ogun State.

It warned political actors against dragging students into partisan disputes.

The association said it had watched with growing concern as the name of Ogun State students was being used in controversies that had nothing to do with them, stressing that students were not political mercenaries, campaign tools or instruments for settling political scores.

In a statement signed by the national president of NAOSS, Aare Oluwafemi Ajayi (FM Castro), the association maintained that its priorities remained quality education, affordable tuition, campus security, access to scholarships and meaningful opportunities for youth development, rather than partisan political battles.

NAOSS condemned individuals and faceless groups allegedly impersonating student bodies or issuing politically motivated statements in the name of Ogun State students, describing such actions as fraudulent, misleading and a direct attack on the integrity of student unionism.

“We therefore strongly condemn the individuals and faceless groups who have resorted to impersonating student bodies or issuing politically motivated statements in our name.

“This is fraudulent, it is misleading, and it is a direct assault on the integrity of student unionism. To those behind these impersonations: stop. You do not speak for us, you have no mandate from us, and NAOSS will not sit back while our identity is hijacked for political convenience.

“To politicians and their supporters: desist from dragging students into your political disputes, and desist from sponsoring fake groups to manufacture false impressions of student endorsement. We are putting it plainly , keep the name of Ogun State students out of your campaigns, your rebuttals, and your political theatre entirely,” he said.

The association warned those behind the impersonation to desist immediately, insisting they neither represented nor had the mandate of Ogun State students. It added that it would not hesitate to expose and identify those responsible for hijacking its identity for political purposes.

The student body further stated that, at the appropriate time, its national leadership would provide clear political direction to its members after extensive consultations with stakeholders, the Senate leadership, NAOSS senators and other relevant bodies.

It stressed that the process would not be rushed or influenced by external pressure, while reaffirming its willingness to engage with all genuine stakeholders.

Reiterating its independence, NAOSS described itself as a non-partisan organisation committed solely to protecting students’ welfare, promoting quality education and advocating good governance.

The association said it would continue to engage governments and political actors strictly on policies and actions affecting Ogun State students, rather than on partisan considerations.