The South-West leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to mobilise students for a peaceful mass protest if the Federal Government fails to urgently resolve the worsening electricity crisis affecting campuses and student communities across the country.
The warning was issued in a statement jointly signed on Friday 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.
Speaking at a press conference held in Akure, Ondo State, the student leaders said the decision followed consultations among student representatives from the six South-West states — Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos and Ekiti.
They expressed concern over several challenges currently affecting students, including persistent electricity outages, increasing cases of police harassment and extortion, and the rising cost of accommodation in university communities.
Adeyemo described the current electricity situation as devastating to academic activities and the welfare of students.
According to him, prolonged power outages across campuses and surrounding communities have created significant difficulties for students who rely on electricity for studying, research and personal 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,” he said.
He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the performance of the ministry and take urgent steps to address the country’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,” Adeyemo said.
He warned that failure by the Federal Government to act swiftly could force the student body to mobilise students across the region for peaceful demonstrations to demand solutions.
The NANS leadership also raised concerns about what it described as the resurgence of police brutality and extortion targeting students.
Adeyemo said the association had received several reports of students being unlawfully stopped, searched and extorted by security personnel.
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 constitutional responsibility is to protect citizens,” he said.
The association 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 decried the increasing cost of accommodation in university communities across the South-West, accusing landlords and property agents of exploiting students through excessive rent charges.
According to the student leaders, the trend has forced many students into overcrowded and unsafe living conditions.
“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,” Adeyemo added.
Despite the concerns raised, the student leaders acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government in maintaining national stability amid global economic challenges.
They also appreciated the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Ayodele Olawande, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Asefon Sunday, for supporting student leadership development.
The group particularly commended the provision of operational vehicles to the six NANS zonal coordinators, describing it as a step that has strengthened the coordination and mobility of student leaders across the country.
NANS further praised its National President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, for efforts aimed at strengthening student leadership structures nationwide.
The association also commended the management of the University of Lagos for moves to reinstate the Students’ Union Government and urged other institutions with suspended unions, including Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), to follow suit.
Reaffirming its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, the NANS South-West leadership said it would continue to engage relevant stakeholders to address the challenges confronting students across the region.
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