By Joseph Erunke, Abuja
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to include student representatives in the newly established National Ebola Emergency Response Committee, saying such inclusion is critical to preventing the spread of the disease in tertiary institutions nationwide.
The student body said the participation of students would strengthen awareness campaigns and improve emergency response coordination across campuses.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Obidah David, NANS said Nigerian students form a significant portion of the population and are strategically positioned to drive grassroots sensitisation and public health education.
According to the association, millions of students live and interact daily within campuses, hostels, and other learning environments, making schools key centres for disease prevention efforts.
It added that including student representatives in the response framework would help ensure effective dissemination of accurate health information and coordinated preventive campaigns across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
“Nigerian students are willing and ready to collaborate with health authorities, educational institutions and relevant stakeholders to promote awareness on preventive measures, early detection protocols and responsible health practices,” the statement read.
NANS further argued that a more inclusive response mechanism would enhance transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of the Federal Government’s Ebola preparedness strategy.
The association pledged its support for all government initiatives aimed at safeguarding public health, while urging the Federal Government to consider its request favourably.
It maintained that integrating student voices into the emergency response structure would strengthen national preparedness and ensure critical health messages reach millions of young Nigerians across campuses.
The call comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen surveillance and preparedness measures against a potential Ebola outbreak, with stakeholders advocating broader community participation in response planning.
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