Nigerian
Humanist Students Society (NHSS)
Motto:
science and reason for sustainable development
The
Nigerian Humanist Students Society (NHSS) is an umbrella body for
organised student humanist groups in Nigeria. 5
students groups are affiliated to the NHSS. The NHSS is active at
several Nigerian Campuses.
NHSS defines Humanism as a movement "informed by Science, nurtured
by Arts and motivated by compassion for human existence". Its
aims are underpinned with this principle. And as humanists, atheists,
agnostics and freethinkers, NHSS derives the goals of life from
human needs and interests, rather than from theological or ideological
abstractions, and it asserts that humanity must take responsibility
for its own destiny.
Aims
The
NHSS strives for:
- The
dignity of each human being, as end not as a means
to an end.
- Transcending
divisive parochial loyalties based on race, religion, gender,
nationality, creed, class and ethnicity. We strive to work together
for the common good of humanity.
- The
belief in an open and pluralistic society like for our dear country
Nigeria. We believe that democracy is the best form of government
to free people from the domineering forces of the authoritarian
elites.
- The
belief in enjoying life to the fullest here and now, and the belief
in developing our creative talent to the fullest.
- Dialogue
and negotiations as the best means of resolving differences in
opinion.
- We
belief strongly in the cultivation of moral excellence.
- And
we strongly believe in supporting the disadvantaged and the handicapped
in society so that they will be able to assist themselves.
- We
declare our unalloyed commitment to education as a means for the
Full Development of the Human Personality.
About
the Organisation
Nigerian
humanist students became organised formally on June 21st 2002. The
idea for such a body was born in October 2001 at the last day of
the first African Humanist Conference.
Since inception, NHSS with support from the Nigerian Humanist Movement
(NHM) has been trying to do it right on Nigerian Campuses. Humanism
awareness is growing among Nigerians. Right now NHSS has 20-40 members
and 5 affiliated groups.
The affiliated groups are the following:
- Nigerian
Freethinkers Students Association,
- Secular
and Agnostic Student Association led by Amusa,
- The
Humanist Students Association led by Friday,
- Ogun
State University Humanist Students Association led by Tola
Activities
The
activities of the NHSS are:
- Organising
conferences, seminars, public lectures and symposia.
- Publication
of "Critical Examiner", the society's official
newsletter billed to hit the newsletter market in Spring 2003.
- Organising
disadvantaged and less-privileged centered programmes, for example
a visit to the orphanage homes.
- Encouraging
the formation of Campus Humanist Groups all over Nigeria and in
other African countries (within the ambit of financial resources
available).
Our Challenges
Humanism
at Nigerian Campuses can be adjudged poorly! Of over 5 million Nigerian
post-primary institution students, there are less than 10 thousand
humanists (open & secret ones).
Within the organised student humanism, many members are afraid to
come out for their non-theism. Only a few do so openly. Also, we
are having it rough with obstacles such as literature drought, communication
breakdown and no meeting point during vacations, non-recognition
by University authorities, and having no leaflets etc. Funding for
activities can be a problem too. We are working to counteract these
problems and you can help us by joining NHSS.
Join NHSS
For
2003 we strive to increase our active base to make humanist ideals
stronger in our society. We want to organise more conferences, seminars
and intellectual fora. Why not be part of us to achieve this dream?
You can join us by being a financial member or by networking your
group with us to form a formidable force. Or by deciding to form
or start a group on your campus. We will be more than happy to support
you to nurture the dream. When you want to start a Humanist group
on your campus or in your community, you can contact humanistyemi@msn.com
or humanistleo@hotmail.com.
When
you are older and want to be involved in humanism, you can join
the Nigerian Humanist Movement as member. Please contact for more
information: humanistleo@hotmail.com
Humanist Newsletter
To
subscribe to the 'Humanist Enquirer', you can contact: humanistleo@hotmail.com
To subscribe to the 'Critical Examiner', you can contact:
humanistyemi@msn.com
Contact NHSS
Postal
Address: C/O Center for Inquiry-Nigeria,
P.O Box 25269, Mapo, Ibadan,
Oyo State, Nigeria
E-mail: humanistyemi@msn.com,
Ademowo Adeyemi Johnson, president of NHSS
Website: www.studenthumanistsng.4t.com
You can also contact humanistleo@hotmail.com,
Leo Igwe is IHEU Growth and Development Representative for Sub-Saharan
Africa.
@written
by Ademowo Adeyemi Johnson.
Involvement
in IHEYO
Yemi Johnson former president of NHSS, is IHEO's Secretary General.
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