The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC) Kano Axis, has announced its readiness to resist government policies that it says are worsening economic hardship for students and their families. The association has also expressed full support for the nationwide protest planned by the national leadership of NANS against a newly introduced tax policy.
The decision was communicated by the Public Relations Officer of NANS Kano Axis, Comrade Muddassir Hamza Dankaka. He said students could no longer remain silent in the face of policies that deepen suffering, particularly at a time when families are already struggling with rising costs of living and education.
“The tax policy is unjust, anti-student, and economically oppressive, especially at a time when students and their families are already battling rising living costs, tuition fees, and inadequate government support,” Dankaka said.
He added that the Kano Axis, under the leadership of Comrade Yunus Sulaiman Halliru, fully supports the national body’s call for the immediate withdrawal of the policy in the interest of fairness, equity, and national development.
The planned protest is part of a nationwide action spearheaded by NANS against what the association describes as a burdensome tax policy that disproportionately affects students. While the government has defended the policy as necessary for revenue generation and economic growth, NANS argues that it will worsen the financial difficulties already faced by millions of students.
The protest is scheduled to hold on January 14, 2026, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. NANS has stressed that the demonstration will be peaceful and disciplined, urging all participants to respect the law and avoid acts that could escalate tensions.
Comrade Dankaka highlighted that the Kano Axis remains committed to defending the rights, welfare, and interests of Nigerian students. He noted that students across the country are feeling the impact of inflation, rising tuition fees, and inadequate infrastructure, and that policies like the new tax rule only add to these challenges.
“The nationwide protest is not just about one policy; it is about sending a clear message that students deserve a fair deal and that their welfare must be considered in national policy-making,” he said.
Economic hardship among students in Nigeria has been a growing concern over the past several years. Many students rely on family support to cover tuition, accommodation, and daily expenses, while others take on part-time jobs or loans to sustain themselves.
With the introduction of the new tax policy, many students and families fear additional financial strain. Analysts say that policies affecting students’ income, allowances, and the cost of basic services could potentially reduce access to education and limit opportunities for young Nigerians.
Speaking to our correspondent, a 300-level student at Bayero University, Kano, who requested anonymity, said: “It is very difficult for students to manage their expenses now. Any extra tax or policy that makes life harder will not be acceptable. We fully support the planned protest.”
Students across several campuses in Kano have reportedly started discussions and awareness campaigns to educate their peers about the planned protest. Social media platforms are being used to mobilize participation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline and safety during the demonstration.
The National Association of Nigerian Students has historically played a major role in advocating for students’ rights and welfare in the country. Founded to represent student interests, NANS has over the years organized protests, dialogues, and campaigns to push for better funding, access to education, and improved living conditions for students.
Comrade Dankaka stressed that the Kano Axis is fully aligned with NANS’ national objectives and that it will actively participate in the protest to ensure the students’ voices are heard. He said the association’s stand is consistent with its long-standing tradition of defending students from policies perceived as unjust or harmful.
“Students must be seen and heard when policies are being made that directly affect their lives,” he added.
While the protest is expected to draw thousands of students from across the country, NANS has repeatedly emphasized the importance of a peaceful demonstration. Dankaka warned that while students have the right to voice their concerns, they must avoid acts of violence, vandalism, or intimidation.
“The planned protest will be peaceful,” he said. “We urge all students across the country to remain calm, disciplined, and law-abiding throughout the exercise. Violence will not help our cause.”
Security agencies in Nigeria have in the past monitored student protests to ensure safety and prevent escalation. NANS has stated its readiness to cooperate with the authorities to ensure a smooth and peaceful protest.
The protest comes amid broader national concerns over economic policies that affect citizens’ daily lives. Students, being a large and influential demographic, are increasingly asserting their right to participate in public discussions that affect their education, welfare, and future opportunities.
As January 14 approaches, student bodies in Kano and other states are expected to finalize logistics, ensuring that their participation is coordinated and disciplined. Leaders of NANS have promised to continue dialogues with the government while keeping the option of peaceful protest open.
For now, the Kano Axis of NANS has sent a strong signal that students are aware of their rights and willing to stand against policies that worsen their economic situation. The coming weeks will show how both the government and students navigate this tension, with the hope that dialogue and peaceful engagement will prevail.
In the meantime, students across Nigeria are being encouraged to prepare, stay informed, and participate responsibly in the protest, reflecting a balance between advocacy for their rights and respect for the law.
The planned demonstration is expected to be a defining moment for Nigerian students in 2026, as they continue to assert their presence and influence in national policy discussions.