The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, South-West Zone D, has raised concerns over worsening electricity supply, alleged police harassment of students, and rising accommodation costs in student communities across the region.
The Coordinator of NANS South-West, Mr Kayode Adeyemo, in a statement made available to newsmen after the NANS zonal meeting held in Akure on Friday, deplored the worsening power situation in the region
He said the meeting, which had in attendance Chairmen, NANS Joint Campus Committees in the six South-West states, was convened to consult among student leaders on challenges affecting students in the region.
According to him, the issues discussed included poor electricity supply, alleged police brutality and extortion, rising house rents in student communities, and the need to strengthen state-level student leadership.
Adeyemo said the persistent electricity crisis had continued to affect academic activities and students’ welfare across campuses and adjoining communities.
“The leadership of NANS South-West had, after consultations with the six JCC state chairmen, passed a vote of no confidence in the Federal Ministry of Power under the Minister, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
“The student body is calling on President Bola Tinubu to urgently review the ministry’s performance and take decisive steps to address the power crisis.
“Nigerian students cannot continue to operate in darkness while their academic future is jeopardised.
“If urgent steps are not taken to address this situation, NANS South-West will be compelled to mobilise students for peaceful mass action,” he said.
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The student body also expressed concern over the resurgence of police brutality, harassment and extortion allegedly targeted at students across the region.
Adeyemo said there had been reports of students being unlawfully stopped, searched and extorted by security personnel in different states.
He 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 responsibility is to protect citizens,” he said.
Adeyemo said that the association would seek an urgent meeting with the Inspector-General of Police to address the matter and ensure officers found culpable were disciplined.
On accommodation, the NANS coordinator said that students in the region were also facing the challenge of rising rents and exploitation by landlords and agents.
He said that the situation had forced many students to seek accommodation in overcrowded residents in unsecured environments.
Adeyemo called on state Houses of Assembly in the South-West to introduce student-friendly tenancy regulations and rent control measures.
He also said the student leaders were worried about global developments, especially the conflict in the Middle East, which they noted had contributed to rising energy costs and inflation affecting Nigerians.
Adeyemo called for peaceful resolution of global conflicts and sustained efforts to maintain stability in Nigeria.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for efforts at maintaining peace and stability amid prevailing global economic pressures.
The NANS South-West leadership also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Youth Development, Dr Ayodele Olawande, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Mr Sunday Asefon, for supporting the student leadership.
(NAN
