The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Federal Government to include students in the national Ebola Emergency Response Committee.
The association said student representation would strengthen awareness campaigns across tertiary institutions arguing that students can help improve preparedness efforts nationwide.
NANS made the appeal in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, Obidah David.
The student body praised President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Ebola Emergency Response Committee.
According to NANS, the move shows the government’s commitment to protecting public health describing the committee as a proactive step toward preventing future outbreaks.
NANS said students make up a large segment of Nigeria’s population, millions of students live and interact daily in campuses, hostels and lecture halls as such, students should play a role in national disease prevention efforts.
The group added that crowded campus environments can increase health risks during disease outbreaks.
NANS President Akinteye Babatunde said student representatives would improve information sharing and they would support grassroots mobilisation and health education campaigns.
“The inclusion of student representatives will provide a strategic platform for effective dissemination of information,” the statement said.
According to NANS, students can spread accurate information quickly across campuses and authorities could reach millions of young people more effectively.
The association pledged to support government efforts and it’s ready to work with health authorities and educational institutions.
Furthermore, NANS offered to coordinate awareness campaigns in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
The campaigns would focus on prevention, early detection and responsible health practices arguing that student participation would strengthen transparency and accountability.
It also said student involvement would encourage broader stakeholder participation.
According to the association, students can serve as valuable partners during health emergencies including them in the committee could improve overall response efforts.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government continues to strengthen its Ebola preparedness strategy.
The government recently established an emergency response framework to address potential threats.
Health experts have welcomed the move.
They say stronger preparedness and public awareness remain critical to preventing future outbreaks.
