The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned what it calls a politically motivated attempt to discredit the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim.
In a statement on Friday, NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, described the recent protest at the ministry’s gate as a “stage-managed charade” orchestrated by disgruntled politicians from Nasarawa State.
He said the demonstration, allegedly staged by ministry staff, was aimed at undermining the minister’s credibility barely eight months into her tenure.
“It is laughable that a woman of proven integrity, who excelled as Minister of State for Police Affairs, is suddenly being tagged as staff-unfriendly,” Oladoja said.
The group argued that the grievances cited — unpaid reimbursements since 2023, lack of work materials, and delayed promotion exams — fall under the purview of the permanent secretary, not the minister.
NANS insisted the protest was not about genuine staff welfare but a calculated effort to smear Suleiman-Ibrahim and, by extension, President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The students’ body praised the minister for giving the ministry “a remarkable facelift” through the implementation of the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions.
Under her leadership, it said, government programmes have reached grassroots communities, restoring public confidence in the ministry’s mandate.
NANS stressed that Suleiman-Ibrahim has not ordered any suspension, dismissal, or victimisation of staff since taking office.
It warned those it described as political detractors to desist from further attacks or risk being exposed.
“We reaffirm our confidence in her leadership and urge her to remain focused on advancing the rights, welfare, and empowerment of Nigerian women and girls,” the statement said.
