The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has secured the release of 16 students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, who were detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during a recent enforcement operation, ensuring the students could return to their ongoing examinations.

The intervention was led by the National Financial Secretary of NANS, Alao John Oluwadamilola, alongside the Student Union President of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Fagbemi Nurudeen Ojo, and other members of the student union cabinet. A formal statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Office of the National Financial Secretary, NANS, Kamaldeen Ilias A., confirmed the engagement.

"The NANS delegation engaged relevant authorities after receiving concerns over the detention of students of the institution, with particular emphasis on protecting the students' academic interests during the ongoing examination period," the statement read.

NANS stated that the intervention became necessary upon receiving reports that the detention posed a direct threat to the students' ability to sit for examinations for which they had already prepared. Following engagement with the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, all 16 students were released and returned to their academic responsibilities.

The association commended the Ibadan Zonal Directorate, particularly the Zonal Director, ACE I Hauwa Garba Ringim, for demonstrating understanding of the concerns raised by the student body.

"The development underscored the importance of constructive engagement between student leaders and law enforcement agencies, particularly in situations where investigations could affect students' academic progression," NANS stated.

The association maintained that while legitimate investigations and the fight against financial crimes remain important, such processes should, where possible, be handled in ways that minimise unnecessary disruption to students' education. The management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and other individuals who contributed to facilitating the students' return to examinations were also acknowledged.