The South-West leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has warned that it may mobilise students across the region for peaceful mass action if the Federal Government fails to urgently address the worsening electricity crisis affecting tertiary institutions and student communities.
The warning was issued in a statement jointly signed by the NANS South-West Zonal Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, popularly known as “BILLIONCODES,” and the Chairman of Chairmen of the NANS Joint Campus Committee (JCC) in the South-West, Comrade Tiamiyu Ademola.
The student leaders expressed deep concern over the persistent power outages being experienced in many parts of the country, particularly within university campuses and their surrounding communities. According to them, the situation has continued to disrupt academic activities and negatively affect the welfare of students who rely heavily on electricity for their studies and daily living.
The concerns were raised during a press conference held in Akure, Ondo State, where the South-West leadership of NANS addressed journalists alongside chairmen of the NANS Joint Campus Committee from the six states in the region.
Representatives of student unions from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos and Ekiti states were present at the meeting, which was convened after a series of consultations among student leaders across the South-West zone.
According to the student leaders, the consultations were aimed at reviewing the growing challenges confronting students in Nigerian tertiary institutions and exploring possible steps that could be taken to draw the attention of government authorities to these issues.
Among the major concerns discussed at the meeting were the persistent electricity crisis affecting campuses, rising cases of police harassment and extortion targeting students, the increasing cost of accommodation in university communities, and the need to strengthen student leadership structures across institutions in the region.
Speaking during the press conference, Adeyemo said the electricity situation in the country had become extremely frustrating for students, describing it as a major obstacle to effective learning and academic development.
He noted that prolonged power outages in many campuses and host communities have created serious difficulties for students who depend on electricity to read, carry out research, charge electronic devices and maintain personal safety, particularly at night.
Adeyemo explained that after extensive consultations with the six JCC state chairmen across the South-West, the NANS leadership in the zone had resolved to pass a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Power under the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
According to him, the decision was taken in response to what the student body described as the continued failure to deliver sustainable improvements in the country’s electricity supply despite the growing needs of citizens and institutions.
The student leader also called on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently review the performance of the ministry and take decisive steps toward resolving the country’s electricity challenges.
He stressed that access to electricity is critical to the academic success of students and the overall functioning of higher institutions across the country.
Adeyemo emphasised that electricity should not be treated as a luxury but as an essential service required for effective learning, research and the safe operation of campus facilities.
He warned that if urgent action is not taken to address the situation, the NANS South-West leadership would be left with no option but to mobilise students across the region for peaceful demonstrations aimed at drawing attention to the crisis and demanding immediate solutions.
The student leaders also highlighted broader economic pressures affecting students, noting that rising energy costs and inflation had made living conditions increasingly difficult for many undergraduates across the country.
They acknowledged that global developments, including ongoing conflicts in different parts of the world, have contributed to rising energy prices and economic uncertainties, which in turn affect domestic markets.
Despite these global challenges, the student body urged the Federal Government to prioritise policies that would improve the living and learning conditions of students, stressing that the education sector must not be neglected.
While raising concerns about the electricity crisis, the NANS leadership also commended President Tinubu for efforts aimed at maintaining national stability and managing the country through a difficult economic environment.
Adeyemo noted that the student body recognised the complexity of the challenges facing the country but insisted that practical and urgent solutions must be implemented to address issues that directly affect the daily lives of citizens, especially students.
In addition to the electricity situation, the NANS South-West leadership also condemned what it described as a resurgence of police brutality, harassment and extortion targeting students in different parts of the region.
The student leaders alleged that many students have been subjected to intimidation, unlawful arrests and financial extortion by security operatives while going about their lawful activities.
They called on the leadership of the Nigerian Police Force to ensure that officers operate within the confines of the law and respect the rights of students and other citizens.
According to the student body, protecting the rights and dignity of young Nigerians must remain a priority, and security agencies must avoid actions that could erode public trust or create fear among students.
Another major issue raised during the meeting was the increasing cost of accommodation in university communities across the South-West.
The student leaders expressed concern that many landlords and property agents in areas surrounding tertiary institutions have continued to impose excessive rent on students, making it difficult for many undergraduates to secure decent housing.
They noted that the rising cost of accommodation has forced many students to live in overcrowded or unsafe environments, which could affect their health, security and academic performance.
To address the situation, the NANS leadership called on state Houses of Assembly across the South-West to introduce tenancy regulations and rent control policies that would protect students from exploitation.
According to them, such policies would help create a more balanced housing market in university communities and ensure that students are not unfairly burdened by excessive rental charges.
The student leaders also emphasised the importance of strengthening student leadership structures across campuses in order to improve coordination and ensure that the voices of students are effectively represented in discussions on national policies affecting education and youth development.
They concluded by reaffirming their commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students while urging government authorities, security agencies and other stakeholders to work collaboratively in addressing the challenges facing students across the country.
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