The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced the debut of the Miss NANS Nigeria Peace Pageant, a new initiative designed to promote peace and discourage violence across campuses in Nigeria. The unveiling took place at a press briefing in Abuja with student leaders and peace advocates in attendance. The pageant is being organised in partnership with Messengers of Peace (MOP), an international peace agency. With the theme “Sustaining Long-Lasting Peace through the Promotion of Decent and Violence-Free Learning Institutions,” the project is positioned as more than a beauty contest. It aims to celebrate leadership, intellect, and cultural pride among students.

Nationwide Auditions and Prizes

Auditions will take place in three key zones: Lagos for South-West states, Akwa Ibom for South-South and South-East, and Abuja for northern states. In each zone, 100 students will be screened, leading to 100 contestants being invited to camp ahead of the Abuja grand finale.

During the camping stage, 60 finalists will be chosen to compete for the title. Each geopolitical zone will produce a representative, with six runners-up and one overall winner crowned Miss NANS Nigeria. The winner will receive ₦1 million and a brand-new car, while each runner-up will be awarded ₦1 million and a laptop.

According to Samson Adeyemi, NANS National Public Relations Officer, the pageant is part of efforts to curb cultism, harassment, drug abuse, and other threats within higher institutions. “We want to show that students are not only intellectual but also capable of leading peace-driven change,” he explained.

Dr. Suleiman Adejoh, President of Messengers of Peace, added that the event will also spotlight indigenous languages and cultural expression, as contestants will participate in screenings that highlight their roots. He emphasized that creating platforms like this helps young Nigerians become ambassadors of peace while showcasing their diverse heritage.

With auditions set to begin soon, the Miss NANS Nigeria Peace Pageant is generating attention nationwide, offering students both an opportunity to shine and a platform to drive positive change in their communities.