"Greatest Nigeria Students" is a popular phrase that is being used day in day out to build courage and resilience in the heart of students across Nigeria and even been converted to student struggle rhythm and gyration to instill the spirit of Unionism and the power of Students in the heart of the Government and Political parastatals across the country.
It is of no gainsay that the evolution of Nigerian Students’ unionism was birthed out of selflessness and the struggle for collective interests. Historically, Nigerian Students’ Unionism can be divided into two phases – pre-independence and post-independence. Its evolution began in 1925 under the aegis of the then West African Students’ Union {WASU}, which transformed into the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS) and was pioneered by some Nigerian students schooling in London.
The first era was mainly a tussle with colonialism. The pioneers of students’ struggle (ALUTA) at its inception were highly militant, resourceful and seriously committed to the struggle.
Without mincing words, the era was characterized by militancy, selflessness, diplomacy and violent but objective actions. Subsequently, the era led to the emergence of nationalist leaders; majority of whom were radical in nature and were also ideological in thought, perception and action.
At the nascent stage of students’ unionism, the period was enhanced and fostered by robust debates, diplomatic maneuverings, passive or total resistance to oppressive tendencies of the institution authority as well as unpalatable government policies. Indeed, those that were in the vanguard of struggle then were highly articulate, intellectually inclined and very dogged in the field of struggle.
Similarly, the early stage of the post-independence struggle was championed by selfless unionists. Although the use of police brutality and other armed forces has been a major hindrance that has lowered the spirit of students’ activists. This can be seen from the police brutality of students that participated in the University of Ibadan riot of 1st February 1971, which eventually led to the death of the students’ union leader, Adekunle Adepeju.
Thereafter, the deployment of police to campuses at slightest provocations by the students and the use of fire arms are considered the major causes of dying culture of activism among the students’ union leaders. It behooves us to know that selfless pursuit of students’ activism (through demonstrations/protests e.g. Operation Gowon Must Go of 1974, UNIBEN demonstration of 1976, Ali Must Go crisis of 1978, etc) against military junta, led to the ban of National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS) and the subsequent formation of the present National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Yaba College of Technology in 1983.at this phrase has become a worldly accepted slogan for Nigerian Students.
Examining the structure behind "Greatest Nigeria Students", One could mismatch it with so called Student Unionism that were being practiced in the recent times as it does not suit the personality of Union leaders and their presumed student Struggle. There has always being a question that has always turn students to a doubting Thomas and it has always begged for answers from Student Union Leaders and Stakeholders, "Is Student Unionism for seeking political relevance or to serve humanity?" as facts had shown that almost Political Office Holders are one time a Student Union Leader in their previous Institutions.
Several Students have been a victim of Oppression from Government or Management of their respective institution as the case may be. Cases of Afrika(OAU) ,Humble TeeJay(TASUED) and gross of others who have laid down their lives to make sure Unionism thrives in a community of wreckeless leaders. Are these people really Struggles pioneer? Were their aims achieved? Were their gains consolidated by present Union Leaders? These questions had no accurate answers as it will be viewed from different perceptions.
Over a decade now, Student Unionism has been linked to Politics because of the partnership between Student Union leaders and Political office holders in a bid to source for finance or promote relevancy with the government. This has been a cankerworm that had eaten the fabrics of Student Unionism and has caged the student Union Leaders being fed with juicy oppressions.
'"Greatest Nigeria Students" exist on tongue but are lost in the structure and in the heart of all struggles. One shouldn't forget about how useless student struggle has become when Money is being exchange for Vote during NANS Convention and Mobs showing Face. Its apparent to show that the Organization that ought to produce best of brains and Comrades with competency and Credibility now posses individuals who doesn't think of the student interests but their pocket alone. History is there to show us that as much as Late Pa Segun Okeowo and other NUNS Comrade(Now NANS) has the capacity and effrontery to sell students struggle during the Alli Must go Fiasco and they didn't. They stood their ground,remain resolute and committed,the history is nice on them. One need to wonder if we still have those that can to that again in Students Constituency. Our National Association of Nigerian Students has turn to where Modern and Upgraded Fine Bara exist. They give Ultimatum to Government without any action. One could rightly posit NANS in Present day as a Toothless Bulldog that can bark but cannot bite.
One wish to wonder if the Diction "GREATEST NIGERIA STUDENT'S" has any Power again. The Student power and the spirit in it in present day is just an Illusive myth. Student will go on protest against the Government and be seeking for Mobilization fee from the Government. One could wonder how unserious this could be. I shouldn't be get wrong on this statement, not all those who engage in Protest ask for this. However on the part of those who ask Government this,does Greatest Nigeria Students have any Meaning whatsoever. Its as useless as anything.
To sum it up,One need to Understand the rationale behind the hanky panky game that Student Populace play in creation of Factional Group after some set of individuals lost an Election. There has been a lot of cases like that especially in NANS. The latest of this is NANS Zone D Leadership between Kapo and Kalusa. Are we moving forward or downward? Are we not even more worst than the so called Nigeria Politician? As I left this for us to ponder,I still keep on asking this question, GREATEST NIGERIA STUDENTS: A MYTH OR A REALITY.
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