Ebola Task Force: NANS Seeks Inclusion In Emergency Response Committee Set Up By Tinubu
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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has faulted its exclusion from the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats.
The National Students’ body argued that its inclusion was necessary to enhance campus sensitisation and awareness campaigns across campuses in Nigeria.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday approved a N10billion intervention Funding, while unveiling the Committee to be headed by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
In a statement released by Comrade Obidah David, Public Relations Officer on behalf of NANS, commended the President for the initiative, acknowledging the proactive steps being taken to safeguard the health and well-being of Nigerians through the setting up of the Ebola Emergency Response Committee.
NANS, currently under the leadership of Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, noted that as the largest umbrella body representing Nigerian students across tertiary institutions, it recognizes the importance of swift and coordinated action in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and ensuring that the nation remains adequately prepared for any public health emergency.
“While we applaud this timely response, we respectfully appeal to Mr. President and relevant government agencies involved in the framework implementation 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 effective dissemination of information, grassroots mobilization, and health sensitization campaigns across universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions nationwide,” Afeez posited.
He assured that NANS 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.
Afeez insisted that such collaboration will strengthen national preparedness and ensure that accurate information reaches every campus community.
The statement read in part, “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.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students remains committed to supporting all government initiatives geared toward protecting public health and promoting the welfare of Nigerians.
“We respectfully urge the Federal Government to consider this request in the interest of national health security and the collective well-being of the Nigerian people”.
