The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to protect the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, from what it described as attempts by blackmailers to discredit him.
In a statement issued by the President of the NANS Senate, Comrade Usman Adamu Nagwaza, the association expressed concern over what it termed a “campaign of calumny” against the minister, describing it as “unfortunate and disheartening.”
According to NANS, certain individuals were attempting to malign the minister despite his contributions to national development and the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
“It is worrisome that some unpatriotic individuals continue to attack those driving national progress. The persistent defamation of Hon. Tunji-Ojo is a deliberate attempt by detractors to undermine the remarkable achievements recorded under his leadership,” the statement read.
The student body alleged that recent corruption and NYSC-related allegations circulating against the minister were “baseless and fabricated,” describing them as a “failed smear campaign by frustrated detractors.”
NANS also commended President Tinubu for appointing Tunji-Ojo, stating that his reforms within the Ministry of Interior have brought significant improvements to service delivery.
Under Tunji-Ojo’s leadership, NANS noted, the ministry had issued over 3.5 million passports, including 3,080,141 locally and 466,117 to Nigerians in the diaspora, while saving the government over ₦1 billion annually through digital automation initiatives. The group also highlighted the introduction of Nigeria’s first high-capacity passport production engine, which increased daily passport output from 300 to over 5,000 booklets per machine.
“Hon. Tunji-Ojo has justified the confidence reposed in him through innovation, transparency, and efficiency,” NANS stated, urging President Tinubu to “shield him from malicious attacks” and “support his ongoing efforts to strengthen the nation’s internal systems.”
The association concluded by reaffirming its support for the Minister of Interior and the administration’s vision, stressing that “Nigeria cannot afford to lose a visionary and result-driven leader like Tunji-Ojo.”