The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has endorsed the federal administration's initiative to authenticate academic credentials earned from select tertiary institutions in the Niger Republic prior to confirming graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation scheme.
Speaking on the development, NANS National President Akinteye Babatunde Afeez advocated for equity, transparency, and high standards in resolving the ongoing disputes regarding affected alumni from neighbouring institutions. Afeez underscored the necessity for Nigerian officials to adhere strictly to laid-down authentication protocols, utilizing official rosters provided by recognized regulatory bodies in the Niger Republic.
What did NANS advise affected students and school proprietors to do?
Afeez urged students and owners of academic institutions whose titles are omitted from the sanctioned directory to pursue redress through proper legal and diplomatic avenues with the relevant authorities in the Niger Republic.
Furthermore, the student body warned against implicating Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, founder of Maryam Abacha American University of Niger, in the ongoing disputes without verified proof linking him to official policy actions.
How can bilateral relations help resolve the crisis?
The association emphasized the strategic relevance of the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission for Cooperation as an effective diplomatic channel for ironing out bilateral challenges affecting citizens of both nations.
Prospective scholars planning to pursue higher education in the Niger Republic were strongly advised to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Education ahead of making financial commitments or accepting placement letters. This step is necessary to confirm the accreditation standing of desired institutions and guarantee compliance with certificate recognition guidelines.
In conclusion, NANS appealed to both the Nigerian and Nigerien administrations to maintain clear communication channels and guarantee due process in addressing the grievances of impacted scholars.