Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has expressed concern over the way social media is used by Nigerian students, warning that it often spreads negative narratives about the country. The governor made the remarks during a visit by the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Olushola Oladoja, and other executives to the Government House in Minna.
Governor Bago urged students to be more patriotic in their online activities and to use social media as a tool for promoting national development rather than criticism and disunity.
“One of the tasks I think before you is the continuous reorientation of students to use social media to be patriotic, to love Nigeria,” Bago said, emphasizing that young people have a responsibility to shape positive public opinion and support the nation’s progress.
The governor encouraged NANS to take the lead in promoting responsible social media use among students. He said social media is a powerful tool for awareness and change but can also spread misinformation if not handled responsibly.
Bago highlighted the need for students to actively support the federal government’s policies and initiatives, especially those aimed at improving national welfare and security. He specifically called on students to participate in food security programs by establishing student farms across campuses, which he described as a practical way to contribute to Nigeria’s agricultural development.
“Students have the energy, creativity, and numbers to drive positive change. You must use social media to inspire, educate, and promote love for Nigeria,” the governor said.
Responding, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, NANS President, assured the governor that the association would actively promote dialogue among students and encourage responsible communication. Oladoja noted that NANS has already begun sensitization campaigns on campuses across the country, teaching students the importance of using effective communication to resolve issues affecting them.
“We have already embarked on the sensitization campaign on campuses on the need for Nigerian students to embrace dialogue through effective communication in resolving issues affecting them,” Oladoja said. He explained that the campaign aims to reduce conflicts, cyberbullying, and misinformation among students while fostering national unity and understanding.
Oladoja also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiatives, including the zero-interest student loan program, which aims to empower students financially and support higher education. He further thanked Governor Bago for his contributions, including scholarships for students and youth appointments, which have opened opportunities for young people in Niger State.
Nigeria has one of the largest populations of internet users in Africa, with a majority of young people active on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. While these platforms provide opportunities for learning, networking, and advocacy, experts have warned that irresponsible usage has contributed to misinformation, cyberbullying, and sometimes social unrest.
In recent years, there have been several instances where false information circulated on social media led to panic, protests, or violent reactions. Stakeholders, including government officials, educators, and civil society organizations, have called for responsible social media engagement, particularly among students who are highly active online.
Governor Bago’s remarks reflect a growing concern among Nigerian leaders that the youth, who form a significant part of the population, need guidance to use social media positively. He highlighted that social media can be an instrument of patriotism, national development, and dialogue, if students choose to engage responsibly.
Another area Governor Bago emphasized during the visit is food security. Nigeria has faced challenges in meeting domestic food needs due to population growth, climate change, and insecurity in farming regions. Bago encouraged students to contribute to national agricultural goals by setting up student farms, which can serve as practical training grounds and boost local food production.
“Students should see themselves as active participants in building a stronger Nigeria. By engaging in food production, you not only support your communities but also strengthen the nation,” he said.
The governor also called for stronger collaboration between the state government and student bodies like NANS to create awareness campaigns on patriotism, civic responsibility, and responsible digital behavior. He described students as key partners in nation-building and urged them to leverage their influence to promote positive societal values.
Oladoja welcomed the call, noting that NANS has a long history of advocacy and engagement in issues affecting students. He said the association is committed to promoting dialogue and peaceful communication on campuses, while also supporting initiatives that contribute to national development.
“Through our sensitization programs, students are learning how to engage with government policies positively and how to channel their energy into constructive activities, rather than spreading negativity online,” Oladoja said.
Both the governor and the NANS president emphasized support for the federal government’s policies aimed at youth empowerment. These include the zero-interest student loan, aimed at reducing financial barriers to higher education, and the promotion of youth-led agricultural initiatives.
Governor Bago encouraged students to view these programs as opportunities to build their skills, improve livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development. He stressed that supporting government initiatives is not about political alignment but about participation in nation-building.
