Nigerian Students’ Unions Disavow Planned NDDC Protest, Praise Commission’s Efforts

PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA – The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone B, and the Niger Delta Students Union Government (NIDSUG) have vehemently denied involvement in a planned protest against the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Both student bodies have denounced the protest as the work of “impostors” and urged authorities to investigate those behind it.

In a joint statement released today, NANS Zone B Coordinator Comrade Isaac Ogieva and NIDSUG National President Comrade Scott Ogunseri clarified that neither organization sanctioned the protest purportedly led by Romes Emieye Kemepade and Idowu Ayemobuwa.

They described the individuals as unauthorized and illegitimate representatives, urging students, International Oil Companies (IOCs), parastatals, and ministries to disregard any communication emanating from them.

Ogieva emphasised NANS Zone B’s commitment to peaceful and constructive engagement, praising the NDDC management under Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for its support of students through initiatives like solar light provision, foreign scholarships, and the construction of hostels and classrooms.

He specifically commended the Youth Internship Scheme and called on security agencies to apprehend those orchestrating the illegal protest.

He further urged collaboration between NDDC and legitimate student representatives, specifically mentioning Comrade Ogunseri.

Ogunseri echoed Ogieva’s sentiments, highlighting the NDDC’s positive impact on students and expressing the union’s dedication to fostering peace and regional development.

He condemned the unauthorized protest and reiterated the call for the arrest of those involved.

He further appealed to the NDDC to approve the proposed Niger Delta bursary, expand the foreign postgraduate scholarship program, and consider extending scholarship opportunities to Nigerian universities to complement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s student loan scheme.

Both leaders expressed gratitude for Dr. Ogbuku’s appointment as NDDC Managing Director, viewing it as a positive step reflecting President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

They cited Dr. Ogbuku’s background as a former student leader as a testament to his understanding of student needs and challenges.

The statement concluded with a firm commitment from both student unions to continue engaging with the NDDC through dialogue to promote regional development.