Student leaders from tertiary institutions across Enugu State on Sunday, March 29, converged at the Enugu State College of Education Technical (ESCET) in a landmark meeting defined by unity, shared purpose, and strategic political engagement.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Speaking with one voice under the newly formed Enugu Students Vanguard (ESV), the leaders declared their collective resolve to actively shape their political future as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
The gathering attracted a broad spectrum of student representatives, including delegates from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Association of University Students (NAUS), National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), National Union of Nkanu Students (NUNS), Federated Enugu West Students (FEWS), and the Federated Association of Nsukka Students (FANS). Also in attendance were Student Union Government (SUG) presidents, alongside key stakeholders from faculty, departmental, and hostel administrations across various campuses.
In his opening remarks, the convener, Comrade Okeke Chekwube Kelvin, who also serves as Chairman of NANS, explained the rationale behind the meeting. He stressed the urgent need for a unified student front in determining the direction of leadership in the state, noting that the student population remains a significant force capable of influencing electoral outcomes.
Discussions during the session reflected a strong commitment to collaboration and advocacy. The Chairman of NAUS underscored the importance of synergy among student leaders, urging sustained unity and focus in representing student interests. He also called on the government to maintain open, responsive, and inclusive channels of engagement with student bodies.
Contributions from several SUG presidents highlighted pressing challenges confronting students across campuses. While commending ongoing reforms and achievements in the education sector—particularly the allocation of 33 percent of the state’s budget to education—they appealed for increased government intervention to address infrastructural deficits, student welfare concerns, and academic support systems.
In a key resolution reached at the meeting, the student leaders unanimously agreed to form a coalition that will, in due course, support a single candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections. However, they resolved to first embark on a statewide consultation tour across campuses to engage the broader student population before making any formal endorsement.
The formation of the Enugu Students Vanguard (ESV) marks a significant phase in organized student participation in Enugu State’s political landscape, as young voices position themselves to play a decisive role in shaping the future of governance.