TD The Senate of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is set to convene its 91st Senate Sitting in Kaduna State from September 30 to October 4, 2026.
The 2027 general elections, student welfare, public safety and the circulation of fake drugs and adulterated consumables expected to dominate deliberations.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the President of the NANS Senate, Distinguished Senator Ibeabuchi Moses Onyia.
According to Onyia, the sitting will bring together NANS senators and Students’ Union presidents.
Other are national structures, stakeholders and accredited delegates from public tertiary institutions across the country.
He described the meeting as a working session rather than a ceremonial gathering, saying delegates would examine issues affecting Nigerian students and the wider society.
2027 Elections on Agenda
The NANS Senate said the approaching 2027 general elections would form a major part of its deliberations.
The students’ body said it would discuss ways of promoting free, fair and credible elections while encouraging greater participation by Nigerian students.
Onyia said students should not be treated merely as spectators in the democratic process.
He addsed that the NANS Senate would seek to establish a framework for increased student participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisation said its proposed approach would emphasise civic participation without political capture, voter education without partisanship and opposition to electoral violence and vote-buying.
NANS Threatens Nationwide Protest Over Fake Drugs
Another major issue expected to feature prominently at the Kaduna sitting is the circulation of fake and substandard drugs, adulterated drinks and other potentially unsafe consumables.
NANS has previously raised concerns about counterfeit and potentially harmful products being sold in physical markets and through online platforms.
In a September 6 statement, the organisation called for stronger regulation, monitoring and enforcement by relevant agencies.
The latest statement said the Senate would consider and, if necessary, approve a peaceful and lawful nationwide protest.
The protest will expectedly take place the headquarters of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
The proposed action would demand stronger enforcement, transparency and accountability in protecting Nigerians from unsafe products.
NANS argued that the scale of counterfeit and adulterated products in circulation required more than public warnings and occasional enforcement operations.
The students’ body said regulatory failures could have serious consequences for public health.
This is particularly so when fake medicines fail to treat illnesses or cause additional harm.
NAFDAC Has Intensified Enforcement
The NANS concerns come amid ongoing enforcement activities by NAFDAC.
In May, the agency destroyed counterfeit and unregistered pharmaceutical products valued at about ₦2 billion in Kaduna State.
This includes approximately 11 million doses of counterfeit Pregabalin capsules intercepted before entering the Nigerian market.
NAFDAC said the products had been seized through intelligence-led operations involving other government agencies.
The enforcement activity provides context for NANS’ demand for stronger action against counterfeit products.
However, the students’ organisation has argued that enforcement and accountability should be further strengthened.
Kaduna Infrastructure and Education to Be Assessed
The NANS Senate also plans to examine the condition of education infrastructure in Kaduna State, which will host the meeting.
According to the statement, delegates will assess infrastructure and education standards in the host state and produce observations intended to support improvements.
The organisation said the assessment would form part of its broader engagement with issues affecting students and tertiary education.
NANS Call for Student Leaders to Attend
Onyia called on public tertiary institutions across Nigeria to mobilise their Students’ Union presidents and other representatives for the Kaduna sitting.
He urged participating student leaders to arrive early and maintain discipline throughout the meeting.
“This is not a routine gathering,” the NANS Senate said.
He described the sitting as a platform for student voices to be heard and for the movement to determine its position on issues affecting students and the country.
The organisation said its Senate would use the Kaduna meeting to deliberate on the 2027 elections and student welfare.
Also on the front burner will be public health, infrastructure and education standards.
Other things to be considered for possible further action are unsafe drugs and consumable products.
The 91st NANS Senate Sitting is scheduled to run from Wednesday, September 30, to Sunday, October 4, 2026, in Kaduna State.
