NANS Feeds Uniabuja Students With Expired Drinks During Their Events, Leaving Many Students Down

The University of Abuja’s edition of International Students’ Day 2025, organized today by the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comr. Olusola Oladoja, took an unexpected and troubling turn after students reported falling ill from drinks allegedly distributed during the event. The programme — themed “Empowering Students to Be Agents of Change” globally and “Reigniting Patriotism & Productivity Among Nigerian Youths/Students” nationally — was initially celebrated with enthusiasm. Held at the Management Science Auditorium, the event drew a large turnout of students eager to participate in discussions, receive learning materials, and engage with student leaders.

 However, shortly after freebies were shared, including Pop Cola soft drinks, several students were seen vomiting, with others reportedly requiring medication. According to multiple students who spoke to this reporter, the drinks provided appeared to have expired in August, raising concerns about negligence in the event’s logistics and safety measures.

 As of the time of filing this report, NANS President Comr. Olusola Oladoja and the Secretary General, Comr. Anzaku Shedrack — an alumnus of UNIABUJA and key figure in the organizing team — have not released any official statement addressing the incident, nor have they issued public sympathy to the affected students.

 The silence from the association’s leadership has drawn significant criticism from students and observers, who describe the distribution of expired products as not only careless but emblematic of deeper administrative failings within the current NANS leadership.

 Critics also point to what they describe as the leadership’s selective attention to student welfare, noting that NANS has been accused of offering little visible support or advocacy regarding pressing national tragedies — including the kidnapping of students in Kebbi State and the killing of teachers in recent weeks. Many argue that an association tasked with protecting student interests should be proactive, not reactive, in defending the rights, lives, and wellbeing of Nigerian students nationwide.

 While today was meant to uplift the voices of students and reinforce their place as “agents of change,” the unfolding controversy has instead spotlighted issues of accountability and responsibility within the student body’s highest office. Students and stakeholders are now calling for a formal investigation into how expired consumables were procured and distributed, as well as an immediate response from NANS’ national leadership.

 More updates to follow as the story develops.