National Female Students Association of Nigeria
Press Release
11/3/2024
This Injustice Against Nigerian Women will not be Sustained
My attention has been drawn to a protest held in Abuja by the National Association of Nigerian Students, ostensibly designed to silence women who dare challenge the status quo, as Natasha courageously did against Akpabio’s alleged sexual abuse. It is lamentable that the leadership of Nigerian Students has chosen to perpetuate the pervasive stereotype that they are sycophants, beholden to politicians and willing to compromise the interests of Nigerian students, particularly the female students.
The fact that this Association’s leadership has seen fit to oppress women, rather than champion their cause, is a travesty. It is ironic that the NANS leadership, ostensibly tasked with promoting the welfare of students, has instead chosen to perpetuate a toxic culture of misogyny and sexism.
March is Women’s History Month, it is poignant to reflect on Nigeria’s egregious treatment of women. The nation’s open secret – the pervasive culture of sexual harassment and exploitation, where lecturers demand sex for grades and bosses exact sexual favors for promotion – is a stain on our collective conscience.
NFSAN is committed to combating these stereotypical tendencies and menace. We will not stand idly by while a group of aging men, claiming to represent Nigerian students, perpetuate this toxic culture.
Natasha’s courageous challenge to the entrenched power dynamics that have crippled countless women should serve as a beacon of inspiration. We hail her as a hero who has exposed the dark underbelly of corruption and exploitation that women face in the corridors of power.
If influential women like Natasha can be treated with such impunity, then the rest of us are indeed vulnerable. In light of these developments, on behalf of all female students in Osun, we unequivocally distance ourselves from the shameful antics of the Ladoja-led NANS and issue a stern warning to him not to allow himself to be used as a pawn by politicians. We urge him to consider the well-being and dignity of the women in his life and to recognize that their struggles are our collective responsibility.
Signed:
Ilori Esther Oluwatobiloba
NFSAN Gen Secretary
Osun state
