A disturbing incident in Abuja has sparked outrage among student groups and civil society organizations, following the brutal attack on a prominent student leader who has now called on Nigerians to demand accountability from Seyi Tinubu over his alleged involvement in the affairs of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
Speaking from a secure location after surviving the assault, the student leader – who has chosen to remain unnamed for safety reasons – condemned the growing political interference in NANS and pointed a finger at what he described as “external manipulation by powerful figures, including Seyi Tinubu.”
“This attack wasn’t random. It was a direct message to silence student voices who are exposing the truth about the hijacking of NANS by individuals with no stake in our education or welfare,” the leader said. “Nigerians must begin to ask tough questions: What is Seyi Tinubu’s interest in NANS? Why are students being attacked for speaking up?”
The assault, which took place over the weekend near the Unity Fountain in Abuja, left the victim hospitalized and has since drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates, student organizations, and political commentators nationwide. Many see it as part of a larger trend of political meddling in student politics, a space traditionally meant to nurture democratic leadership and activism.
Civil society organizations are now calling for an independent investigation into the incident and demanding a broader probe into the politicization of student unions in Nigeria.
“We will not allow NANS to become a puppet of external interests,” said a spokesperson for the Coalition of Concerned Students. “This attack is not just on one individual—it is an attack on the entire student movement.”