Why Are Students Becoming Politicians? – Reuben Abati Questions Umahi’s Project Inspections

Former presidential spokesman Reuben Abati has questioned the decision by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to receive an assessment report from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) following the students’ inspection of Federal Government road projects across parts of the country.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Abati raised the issue while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, questioning whether inspecting government infrastructure should form part of the responsibilities of a students’ association.

The NANS delegation, led by its President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, recently embarked on a nationwide tour of federal road projects, with the North-West leg covering major projects in Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Sokoto and other states. The exercise was aimed at giving students firsthand knowledge of the condition, progress and relevance of road projects, particularly those providing access to tertiary institutions.

During the tour, the students inspected several road projects and assessed their impact on movement, safety and access to educational institutions. NANS also identified areas requiring additional attention, including the need for pedestrian infrastructure around tertiary institutions located close to major highways.

After receiving the report, Umahi commended the students for undertaking the inspection, describing their decision to visit the project sites and make their own assessments as a responsible form of youth participation in national development. The minister said the students had chosen to obtain firsthand information rather than rely solely on government reports or political narratives.

However, Abati questioned the rationale behind the exercise, arguing that students should primarily concentrate on their academic responsibilities rather than take on roles he associated with politicians or public officials.

“Why are these students not focusing on their studies? Why are they becoming politicians, going about inspecting projects and giving reports to the minister?” Abati asked during the television programme.

He recalled his own experience as a student, saying students in his time were expected to remain focused on their academic work and attend classes.

Abati’s comments come amid NANS’ broader position that students are directly affected by the condition of roads connecting tertiary institutions and therefore have a legitimate interest in monitoring infrastructure that affects their movement, safety and access to education. NANS has said the nationwide exercise is intended to enable students to make firsthand observations and submit recommendations to relevant authorities.

The students have also commended the quality and pace of work observed on several of the projects inspected, while highlighting areas where further interventions could improve their impact on surrounding communities and educational institutions.

The exchange has consequently sparked a wider conversation over the role students and youth organisations should play in monitoring government projects and participating in national development