By Adenike Lawal
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has called for the immediate dismissal of two prominent public officials, Dr. Mathew Adepoju, Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), and Dr. P.O. Adebola, Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), following serious corruption allegations.
In a statement released on November 27, 2024, and signed by Senate Clerk Oladimeji Uthman, NANS urged President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly to remove both leaders in order to set a strong precedent against corruption in public service.
The student body has been vocal in its push for transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s government agencies.
This demand follows a letter submitted by NANS on September 30, 2024, outlining corruption allegations supported by reports from multiple Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
The letter pointed to several NASRDA and CRIN projects that allegedly misused funds and deviated from their intended objectives.
Despite the presidency’s acknowledgment of the complaint, NANS claimed that attempts to engage the agency heads for clarification went unanswered.
During a Senate meeting at Niger Delta University, NANS resolved to take action.
As part of their anti-corruption campaign aligned with President Tinubu’s agenda, the association announced plans for a National Mass Action on December 2nd and 3rd, 2024.
The protests will target the respective agencies, demanding the dismissal, arrest, and prosecution of the implicated officials.
NANS stressed that public office is a trust and any abuse of it is a crime.
