Students Seek Inclusion In National Ebola Emergency Response

Students under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to include their representatives in the Ebola emergency response committee.

NANS, under the leadership of Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the proactive steps being taken to safeguard the health and well-being of Nigerians through the establishment of the Emergency Committee.

The students’ body, in a press statement signed by Comrade Obidah David, public relations officer, said it recognises the importance of swift and coordinated action to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and ensure that the nation remains adequately prepared for any public health emergency.

“While we applaud this timely response, we respectfully appeal to Mr President and the relevant government agencies involved in the implementation framework to include representatives of Nigerian students in the emergency response committee established for this purpose.

“Students constitute a significant percentage of Nigeria’s population, with millions residing and interacting daily within campuses, hostels and other educational environments that require targeted public health awareness and preventive measures.

“The inclusion of student representatives will provide a strategic platform for the effective dissemination of information, grassroots mobilisation and health sensitisation campaigns across universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions nationwide,” it stated.

NANS further said it is prepared to work closely with health authorities, educational institutions and relevant stakeholders to coordinate comprehensive awareness campaigns aimed at educating students on preventive measures, early detection protocols and responsible health practices.

“Such collaboration will strengthen national preparedness and ensure that accurate information reaches every campus community.

“We believe that an inclusive approach that incorporates critical stakeholders, particularly the student community, will enhance transparency, accountability and the overall effectiveness of the emergency response framework,” it added.