NANS

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, has dedicated his “45 Distinguished Nigerians Award” to the late Comrade Moses Oisakede and other Nigerian student activists who lost their lives in the struggle for democracy. Shaibu received the award at an event marking the 45th anniversary of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), themed “Celebrating 45 Years of Student Activism,” where he was honoured under the category of Student Movement (NANS Cadres – Living Legends). Speaking shortly after receiving the glass plaque award, Shaibu reflected on the sacrifices made by student leaders during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles, noting that many paid the ultimate price. “I accept this award as I dedicate it to Comrade Moses Oisakede and Co who lost their lives during the democracy struggle. Some comrades died from gunshots from the then military government, many lost their lives, but I survived,” he said. He recounted his experiences during student protests, particularly at Abraka, describing the period as one marked by courage, resistance, and unwavering commitment to justice despite threats to life. “We went through a lot during the struggle. At Abraka, we stood firm in the face of oppression because we believed in a better Nigeria,” Shaibu stated. The NIS boss expressed satisfaction that the sacrifices of student activists have not been forgotten, commending the organisers for keeping the history of the struggle alive. “I am happy that comrades have remembered this day for the democracy we all stood to achieve,” he added, while also congratulating the convener of the award ceremony and other award recipients. The immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State paid a glowing tribute to the late former President of NANS, Comrade Moses Oisakede, who died 25 years ago in a fatal motor accident on September 1, 1999. Oisakede reportedly died while on his way to Makurdi to intervene in the expulsion of over 104 students of the Federal University of Agriculture, who were protesting poor learning conditions. In his current role, Shaibu highlighted reforms introduced at the National Institute for Sports, particularly the revival of student unionism. “I am heading an institution now, and we have been able to make some reforms. Today, we now have an active Students’ Union at the National Institute for Sports, and just yesterday we conducted our matriculation,” he said. He urged Vice Chancellors across Nigerian universities not to suspend student union governments, stressing their importance in fostering leadership and dialogue. “I want to encourage all Vice Chancellors never to suspend Students’ Union Governments. They should always mediate and help resolve disputes among students, because that is the strength of Nigerian comrades,” he advised. He further noted that Nigeria’s democratic space has evolved, describing the current leadership as open to engagement. “Today, we now have a democratically elected president who is open at all times to dialogue,” he added. The event drew student leaders, activists, and dignitaries from across the country, celebrating decades of student activism and its role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey. Signed:Ben Ogbemudia,S. A. Media,Office of the Director General and Chief Executive officer, National Institute for Sports.