The National Association of Nigerian Students has urged President Bola Tinubu to include student representatives in the newly established National Ebola Emergency Response Committee, arguing that their participation would strengthen disease prevention efforts across tertiary institutions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Public Relations Officer, Obidah David, the association said students are strategically positioned to support awareness campaigns and emergency response coordination nationwide.
NANS noted that millions of students live and interact daily in campuses, hostels and other learning environments, making educational institutions critical centres for public health interventions.
The association said including students in the committee would help ensure the effective dissemination of accurate health information and coordinated prevention 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 said.
NANS argued that a more inclusive response structure would improve transparency, accountability and the effectiveness of the government’s Ebola preparedness strategy.
The association pledged support for government efforts aimed at safeguarding public health and called on the Federal Government to give favourable consideration to its request.
According to NANS, incorporating student representatives into the response framework would strengthen national preparedness and help ensure critical health messages reach millions of young Nigerians.
The appeal comes as authorities step up surveillance and preparedness measures against a potential Ebola outbreak, with stakeholders calling for broader community participation in response planning.
