The South-West leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students has warned that it may mobilise students for peaceful mass protests if the Federal Government does not urgently resolve the worsening electricity challenges affecting campuses and student communities across the country.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Friday and 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 in the region, Comrade Tiamiyu Ademola.
Beyond the electricity crisis, the student body also expressed concern over rising cases of police harassment and extortion allegedly targeting students, as well as the escalating cost of accommodation around university communities.
The association described these issues as serious threats to students’ welfare and their academic pursuits.
The concerns were raised during a press conference held in Akure, Ondo State, where the NANS South-West leadership addressed journalists alongside chairmen of the NANS Joint Campus Committee from the six states in the zone.
Representatives from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos and Ekiti states attended the meeting.
According to the student leaders, the gathering followed extensive consultations among student representatives across the region to deliberate on several pressing issues affecting students.
These include persistent electricity shortages, alleged police brutality, increasing accommodation costs in campus communities, and the need to strengthen the operational capacity of student leadership structures at the state level.
Speaking at the briefing, Adeyemo expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current electricity situation in the country, describing it as harmful to academic activities and student wellbeing.
He explained that frequent power outages across campuses and surrounding communities had created serious difficulties for students who rely on electricity for academic work, research and safety.
“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,” Adeyemo said.
He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the ministry’s performance and take decisive measures to tackle the nation’s electricity challenges.
“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,” he said.
“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 also spoke on global developments, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which they said had contributed to rising energy costs and inflation affecting Nigerians.
They called for peaceful resolutions to global conflicts while urging efforts to sustain economic stability and national peace within Nigeria.
Adeyemo added that the student leadership recognised the difficult global situation and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts aimed at preserving national peace and stability amid current economic challenges.
“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 renewed cases of police brutality, harassment and extortion involving students across the region.
According to the association, there have been several reports of students being stopped, searched and allegedly extorted by security personnel.
The leaders cited 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 disciplinary measures for officers found guilty of misconduct against students.
NANS also raised alarm over the rising cost of accommodation within student communities across the South-West.
According to the leadership, some landlords and property agents are taking advantage of students by imposing excessive rent, forcing many 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 further 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 toward strengthening student leadership development.
They specifically acknowledged the provision of six operational vehicles to the six NANS Zonal Coordinators, describing the initiative as a major boost to 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 his efforts in strengthening student leadership structures across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Forum of JCC State Chairmen appealed for additional logistical support to improve the operational capacity of student leaders at the state level, noting that adequate mobility and resources are necessary to engage campuses and represent student interests effectively.
The NANS South-West leadership also praised the management of the University of Lagos for steps taken toward reinstating the Students’ Union Government and urged other institutions where unions remain suspended, including the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, to emulate the move.
According to the association, student unionism remains a vital democratic right and an important platform for student representation.
NANS South-West reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian students and pledged to continue engaging relevant stakeholders to address the challenges facing students across the region.
