By The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to the Federal Government to include student representatives in the newly established Ebola Emergency Response Committee to strengthen awareness and preventive measures across tertiary institutions in the country.
NANS made the call while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating measures aimed at protecting Nigerians and improving the country’s preparedness against possible public health threats.
The student body said the involvement of its representatives in the committee would help bridge communication gaps between health authorities and students, who make up a large segment of the population and live within campuses, hostels, and academic communities.
According to a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Obidah David, NANS said student participation would support effective information sharing, grassroots mobilisation, and sensitisation campaigns in universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other higher institutions.
“NANS recognizes the importance of swift and coordinated action in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and ensuring that the nation remains adequately prepared for any public health emergency,” the association stated.
The organisation noted that campuses require targeted health awareness efforts due to the large number of students who interact daily in shared environments.
It added that it was ready to collaborate with health agencies, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to promote awareness on preventive practices, early detection, and responsible health behaviour among students nationwide.
According to NANS, an inclusive approach involving critical stakeholders would improve transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of the emergency response strategy.
”We believe that an inclusive approach that incorporates critical stakeholders, particularly the student community, will enhance transparency, accountability, and the overall effectiveness of the emergency response framework” the statement added.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government initiatives focused on public health protection and the welfare of Nigerian students.
It urged the Federal Government to consider the request as part of broader efforts to enhance national health security.
