By Adamu IMAM, Bauchi
CNG: Expressed Dismay Over NANS Involvement As Political Tools
By Adamu IMAM, Bauchi
The Coalition of Nigeria Students expressed their dismay over the involvement of National Association of Nigerian Students NANS on the recent politically motivated statement against Engineer Shamsudden Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed by the son of President, Seyi Bola Tinubu.
The coalition who made their expression known at a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of journalist NUJ Bauchi on Thursday.
Comrade Saleh Ibrahim Saleh is the
Northeast Zonal Coordinator, of
Coalition of Nigerian Students (CNG), who read the statement to journalists, continue over what they described as misguided attack on Shamsudden Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state.
The coalition group stressed that, "It is unfortunate that NANS, a body meant to uphold the interests of Nigerian students, has deviated from its purpose and is now being used as a tool for baseless attacks and political propaganda. we are here to set the record straight and expose the hypocrisy in their claims"
Therefore, the coalition of nigerian students CNG strongly condemns the misleading and politically influenced statement issued by the Senate President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) against Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed.
"Their attempt to twist his well-meaning remarks on Seyi Tinubu’s so-called philanthropic efforts is nothing more than an intentional misrepresentation designed to mislead the public"
However CNG added that, Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed raised a valid and fundamental concern—governance should not be replaced by politically motivated handouts. Nigeria’s youth need sustainable solutions, not temporary distractions"
Some of the issues raise by the Group as the FALSEHOODS PEDDLED BY NANS
1. Philanthropy Should Complement Governance, Not Substitute It
Contrary to NANS’ claims,
Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed did not criticize philanthropy. Rather, he rightly questioned the exploitation of philanthropy as a political branding tool.
The real problem in Nigeria is not a lack of individual generosity but the failure of government structures to provide lasting solutions.
Handing out cooked food on the streets, as Seyi Tinubu did, is not an empowerment program—it is a temporary show that does nothing to change the economic reality of the people.
True philanthropy should aim to build capacity, provide long-term support, and uplift communities permanently.
2. Governor Bala Mohammed’s Administration Has Delivered on Youth Empowerment
NANS’ question—“How many youths has Bala Mohammed empowered?”—only exposes their ignorance or deliberate misinformation. The facts speak for themselves:
The coalition group enumerated some achievements rather than just rhetorics, Bauchi state has invested in ICT development, innovation hubs, and business incubation centers to provide young people with digital and entrepreneurial skills.
Over 20,000 youths have benefited from economic empowerment programs, including vocational training and business startup capital.
The Bauchi Youth and Women Economic Empowerment Program has disbursed interest-free loans to entrepreneurs, ensuring self-sufficiency rather than dependence.
These are tangible policies far beyond the performative charity that NANS is defending.
3. Seyi Tinubu’s Failed “Philanthropy” Must Be Called Out
It is ridiculous for NANS to applaud a son of a sitting President for distributing cooked food to hungry citizens as though that is a meaningful contribution to youth empowerment.
What exactly does this achieve?
It does not create jobs.
It does not provide capital for businesses.
It does not give young people skills or opportunities.
A country’s future cannot be built on one-time food distribution. The youth need sustainable empowerment through business capital, education, and long-term employment opportunities.
4. The Double Standards of NANS
Instead of questioning why Nigeria’s resources are not being directed into structured youth programs, NANS has chosen to attack Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed—a patriotic citizen who has done more for young people than many government officials.
The Coalition of Nigerian Students further argued that "where was NANS when:
ASUU was on strike for months, delaying the education of thousands?
Public universities increased tuition fees, making education unaffordable?
Graduates were left unemployed with no concrete job creation plans from rather than tackling these real issues,
NANS has become a mouthpiece for political figures, ignoring the real struggles of Nigerian students.
The group also vomit what they described as SHAMSUDDEEN BALA MOHAMMED’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Unlike Seyi Tinubu’s publicity-driven gestures, Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed has been making real, lasting contributions to young Nigerians:
He has consistently provided financial support for youths, personally giving out capital ranging from ₦2.5 million to ₦5 million to youths.
Hundreds of students have benefitted from his educational support initiatives, including tuition assistance and scholarship programs.
He has empowered youth not with food handouts but with capital to start businesses, ensuring that they become financially independent rather than reliant on unsustainable donations.
The Coalition of Nigerian Students (CNG) stands firm with Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed and firmly rejects the false narratives being pushed by NANS.
It is time for real youth empowerment, not empty philanthropy designed for media attention.
They however, reiterated that:
- Youth need real empowerment, not temporary publicity stunts.
- Governance should be about structured programs, not one-off donations.
-NANS must return to its core mission of fighting for students’ rights instead of engaging in partisan attacks.
"We challenge NANS to redirect its energy towards fighting for the interests of Nigerian students rather than acting as a public relations unit for political figures".
"The youth of Nigeria need business opportunities, education, and employment, not temporary publicity stunts disguised as charity". They emphasized.
The future of Nigerian youth must be built on sustainable opportunities, not handouts.
Tags:
POLITICS