Include students in Ebola emergency response committee, NANS urges FG

The National Association of Nigerian Students has urged the Federal Government to include representatives of students in the national Ebola Emergency Response Committee, saying their participation would strengthen awareness and sensitisation efforts across tertiary institutions nationwide. The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Obidah David, on behalf of the NANS leadership. The student body commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing an Ebola Emergency Response Committee, describing the move as a proactive step towards safeguarding the health and well-being of Nigerians. NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde in the statement said the inclusion of student representatives in the committee would enhance the dissemination of health information and improve preparedness efforts within campuses and other educational environments. According to the association, students account for a significant portion of Nigeria’s population and are among the groups that require targeted public health awareness due to the nature of campus life and daily interactions in hostels, lecture halls and other communal spaces. The statement read in part, “Students constitute a significant percentage of Nigeria’s population, with millions residing and interacting daily within campuses, hostels and other educational environments that require targeted public health awareness and preventive measures. Related News NSCDC arrests Edo scavenger after buying stolen electric wires Pay taxes, ground rents to fund infrastructure, Tinubu urges FCT residents Kogi vows justice as bandits kill three in Iluke community “The inclusion of student representatives will provide a strategic platform for effective dissemination of information, grassroots mobilisation and health sensitisation campaigns across universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions nationwide.” NANS said it was prepared to collaborate with health authorities, educational institutions and other stakeholders to coordinate awareness campaigns aimed at educating students on preventive measures, early detection protocols and responsible health practices. The association added that involving students in the emergency response framework would promote transparency, accountability and broader stakeholder participation while ensuring that accurate health information reaches campus communities across the country. While reaffirming its support for government efforts to protect public health, NANS urged the Federal Government to consider its requ