Student leaders from across tertiary institutions in Enugu State converged on Sunday, March 29, in a landmark meeting held at Enugu State College of Education Technical (ESCET), marked by unity, purpose, and strategic political engagement. Speaking with one voice under the aegis of the Enugu Students Vanguard (ESV) the leaders declared their intention to collectively shape their political future as the 2027 general elections approach.
The meeting brought together 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), Federated Association of Nsukka Students (FANS), as well as Student Union Government (SUG) presidents and key stakeholders from faculty, departmental, and hostel administrations across various campuses.
In his opening remarks, the convener of the gathering, Comrade Okeke Chekwube Kelvin, who also serves as the Chairman of NANS, outlined the rationale behind the meeting. He emphasized the need for a unified student front in determining the direction of leadership in the state, noting that the strength of the student population remains a decisive factor in electoral outcomes.
Deliberations during the session reflected a shared commitment to collaboration and advocacy. The Chairman of NAUS highlighted the importance of synergy among student leaders, urging them to remain focused and united as they undertake the responsibility of representing student interests. He further called on the government to maintain open and responsive channels of engagement with student bodies.
Several SUG presidents also contributed to the discussions, drawing attention to pressing challenges faced by students across campuses. While acknowledging ongoing reforms and milestones in the education sector particularly the allocation of 33% of the state’s budget to education, they appealed for increased intervention in addressing infrastructural deficits, welfare concerns, and academic support systems.
In a significant resolution, the student leaders unanimously agreed to form a coalition that will eventually support a single candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections. However, they resolved to first embark on a statewide consultation tour across campuses to engage directly with the wider student population before making any formal endorsement.
The formation of the Enugu Students Vanguard (ESV) signals a new phase of organized student participation in the political landscape of Enugu State, as young voices prepare to play a decisive role in shaping the future of governance.