The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone C North Central, has conferred the title of Zonal Patron on Professor Wale Sulaiman, CON, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI), and President of the RNZ Foundation.
The honour was announced during the 14th NANS Zonal Public Lecture and Inaugural Ceremony 2025, held on Thursday at Sa’eedu Namaska’s Hall, Abdulkadir Kure University, Niger State.
NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, commended the Zone C leadership for their commitment to student welfare and urged the newly inaugurated executives to uphold the principles of patriotism and selfless service. He noted that distinguished personalities like Prof. Sulaiman, who have consistently supported NANS initiatives and offered sound counsel, deserved honor and public recognition.
Representing Prof. Sulaiman at the event, Comrade Rasheed Jimoh (JAAT) delivered a keynote address on leadership and the future of student unionism. He congratulated the new zonal executives, reminding them that leadership is “not an ornament, but a responsibility” and urging them to embrace a transformational leadership style that inspires service, unity, and development.
In his remarks, Prof. Sulaiman recalled the historic “Ali Must Go” protest of 1978, describing it as a defining moment in Nigeria’s civic history and a reminder of the credibility, ideological depth, and unity student movements once embodied. He called on NANS to reclaim that legacy by prioritizing competence, capacity, and character in leadership.
“As leaders, your words, actions, and decisions must reflect the highest standards of accountability and morality,” Prof. Sulaiman advised. “See your office as an opportunity to rebuild the soul of student unionism, restore its dignity, defend its integrity, promote unity, and lead by example.”
Other distinguished honourees at the event include His Excellency, Farmer Muhammed Umaru Bago, Executive Governor, Niger State, Senator Sani Musa Muhammed, Niger North East Senatorial District, Alh. Hassan Shiroro, Coordinator, Normadic, Alh. Ibrahim Muhammed, Coordinator NSUBEB, Comr. Lafena Idris AbdulKareem, Chairman, NLC, Dr. Sammy Adigun, Chairman Niger Foods, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, Vice Chancellor, FUT, Minna, and Dr. Ladan Suleiman, Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, N/S and others.
The event also featured the inauguration of the new NANS Zone C executives, who pledged to serve with integrity and dedication.
