By Akinwale Kasali
Following the increase in House Rent, Police Harassment and epileptic electricity supply across the nation, the South-West leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has warned that it may mobilise students for a peaceful mass action if the Federal Government fails to urgently address the worsening situation affecting campuses and student communities across the country.
The warning was contained in a statement jointly signed on Friday by the NANS South-West Zonal Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, and the Chairman of Chairmen of the NANS Joint Campus Committee, JCC, in the South-West, Comrade Tiamiyu Ademola.
NANS raised concerns over the increasing cases of Police harassment and extortion targeting students, as well as the rising cost of accommodation in university communities, describing the developments as serious threats to the welfare and academic progress of Nigerian students at a Press Conference held In Akure, Ondo State Capital.
According to the student leaders, the gathering followed extensive consultations among student leaders across the zone to deliberate on pressing issues affecting Nigerian students, including the persistent electricity crisis, cases of police brutality, rising accommodation costs in student communities and the need to strengthen the operational capacity of student leadership at the state level.
The NANS South-West Zonal Coordinators and Chairmen from the Six States expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current electricity situation in the country, describing it as devastating to academic activities and student welfare.
He said persistent power outages across campuses and surrounding communities had created serious challenges for students who depend heavily on electricity for studying, research and personal safety.
Adeyemo said, “After consultations with the six JCC state chairmen across the South-West, the leadership of NANS in the zone has resolved to pass a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Power under the Honourable Minister, Adebayo Adelabu”.
NANS urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently review the performance of the Ministry and take decisive steps to address the country’s power crisis.
“Nigerian students cannot continue to operate in darkness while their academic future is jeopardised.
“Electricity is not a luxury for students; it is a necessity for learning, research and safety within our campuses and communities.
“If urgent steps are not taken to address this situation, NANS South-West will be compelled to mobilise students across the region for peaceful mass action to demand immediate solutions.”
The Student Leaders expressed concern over global developments, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which they noted had contributed to rising energy costs and inflation affecting Nigerians.
They called for peaceful resolutions to global conflicts while urging sustained efforts to maintain economic stability and national peace within Nigeria.
Adeyemo further stated that the student leadership recognised the difficult global environment and commended President Tinubu for efforts aimed at maintaining national peace and stability amid challenging economic conditions.
“We acknowledge the efforts of the President in navigating the country through difficult global realities, but the issue of electricity requires urgent and practical solutions because it directly affects the daily lives of millions of Nigerians, including students,” he said.
The NANS South-West leadership also condemned what it described as the resurgence of police brutality, harassment and extortion targeting students across the region.
It added that several reports had emerged of students being unlawfully stopped, searched and extorted by security personnel.
They cited recent incidents, including an alleged shooting involving a student in Osogbo and the reported assault of a Students’ Union President in Ogun State.
“Nigerian students must not be subjected to harassment and intimidation by law enforcement officers whose constitutional responsibility is to protect citizens,” Adeyemo said.
“We have received disturbing reports of students being profiled, unlawfully searched and extorted. This trend is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately.”
The association, therefore, called for an urgent meeting with the Inspector-General of Police to address the issue and establish clear mechanisms for disciplining officers found guilty of misconduct against students.
The students body also expressed concern over the increasing cost of accommodation in student communities across the South-West.
According to the leadership, landlords and property agents continue to exploit students by imposing excessive rents, forcing many students into overcrowded and unsafe housing conditions.
“Students are increasingly being pushed into difficult living conditions because of exploitative rental practices in many campus communities,” Adeyemo said.
“We are calling on state Houses of Assembly across the South-West to introduce student-friendly tenancy regulations and rent control measures to protect students from exploitation.”
The student leaders also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Ayodele Olawande, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Asefon Sunday, for their support towards student leadership development.
They particularly acknowledged the provision of six operational vehicles to the six NANS Zonal Coordinators, describing the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening coordination and mobility within the student movement.
“This initiative has greatly enhanced the capacity of student leadership to engage stakeholders and respond more effectively to student-related issues across the country,” Adeyemo noted.
The leadership also commended the NANS National President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, for what it described as his continued commitment to strengthening student leadership structures across Nigeria.
In addition, the Forum of JCC State Chairmen appealed for further logistical support to enhance the operational effectiveness of student leadership at the state level, noting that state chairmen require adequate mobility and resources to effectively engage campuses, respond to student concerns and represent students in policy discussions.
The NANS South-West leadership also commended the management of the University of Lagos for steps taken towards reinstating the Students’ Union Government and urged other institutions with suspended unions, including the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), to follow suit.
NANS South-West, however reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian students and pledged to continue engaging relevant stakeholders to address the challenges confronting students across the region.
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