We are against corruption at all levels – NANS

The National Association of Nigerian Students has said it remains committed to the enthronement of good governance as well as against the endemic corruption plaguing the nation’s body polity.

Meanwhile, the National Secretary General of the NANS, Usman Kankia, in a statement in Kaduna State, also said the body passed a vote of confidence on Prof. Jeffrey Barminas, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State.

This followed the allegations of tenure expiration, corruption, and nepotism leveled against the NARICT CEO in some quarters.

However, the NANS scribe said after an independent investigation, they came to conclusion that the allegations were not only misleading but untrue, unverified, and should, therefore, be ignored.

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He also lauded the efforts of the NARICT DG in repositioning the institute in delivering on the mandate establishing the institution to further research in areas of chemical Technology, Entrepreneurship, National Security and has impacted positively on the Nigerian economy.

“Prof. Jeffrey oversaw the construction of the NARICT Nuclear, Biological and Radiological De-Contamination Laboratories fitted to treat victims of nuclear, biological and radiological attacks in Nigeria,” Kankia said, adding, “this has the capacity to assist Nigeria detect nuclear, radioactive and biological attack on the Nation’s territory.”

According to him, NANS under the current leadership will not allow ourselves to be swayed by a malicious narrative against a tested and patriotic man that has dedicated his life to the service of our dear nation.

The NANS leader said, “NANS is to simply put things regarding the tenure of the Director General of the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology Zaria in perspective and to affirm our fraternal support for the hardworking, visionary and pacesetting Director General and Chief Executive Officer Prof. Jeffrey Tsware Barminas.

“Prof. Jeffrey was first appointed DG via a letter from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation dated 18th April, 2017 for a period of four years, subsequently in appreciation of his sterling performance in office, this appointment was renewed on 24th March, 2021 via a letter signed by the Honorable Minister (State) of Science and Technology.

“It is, however, inconceivable for anybody to suggest that the DG is occupying office illegally as his appointment is subsisting untill the expiration of his 2nd tenure.”

While saying that the current leadership of Nigerian students had zero tolerant for corruption, he said NANS was prepared to fight against the scourge at levels.

“We are against corruption and we are committed to advocating and promoting good governance at all levels, as such we will never support corrupt elements in government,” the NANS leader added.