The National Association of Nigerian Students, Southwest Zone D, has raised concerns over rising cases of police harassment and increasing accommodation costs affecting students across the region.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Friday by the Zonal Coordinator of NANS Southwest, Josiah Adeyemo , said students were increasingly becoming victims of intimidation by security operatives and exploitation by landlords.
Adeyemo alongside Chairmen of the NANS Joint Campus Committee from all six Southwest states, gathered to address urgent challenges confronting Nigerian students during a press conference in Akure, Ondo State, where he said, “Nigerian students must not be subjected to harassment, intimidation and extortion by law enforcement officers whose primary responsibility is to protect citizens.”
He added that reports had continued to emerge of students being unlawfully stopped, searched and extorted by security personnel across campuses and student communities.
“The NANS Southwest leadership also condemned the resurgence of police brutality, harassment, and extortion targeting students across the region.
According to the student leaders, numerous reports have emerged of students being unlawfully stopped, searched, and extorted by security personnel.
“They referenced recent incidents, including an alleged shooting involving a student in Osogbo and the reported assault of a Students’ Union President in Ogun State,” the statement partly read.
Adeyemo also expressed concern over the growing cost of accommodation around tertiary institutions, noting that many students were being forced into difficult living conditions due to excessive rents.
“Another major concern raised during the meeting was the increasing cost of accommodation in student communities across the Southwest.
“According to the student leaders, landlords and agents continue to exploit students by imposing excessive rents, forcing many students into overcrowded and unsafe housing conditions,” the statement partly read.
The Southwest Coordinator urged state governments and Houses of Assembly across the Southwest to introduce student-friendly tenancy regulations and rent control measures to curb exploitation.
The student leader further called for an urgent engagement with the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to address the issue of alleged brutality and establish disciplinary mechanisms for officers found guilty of misconduct against students.
Beyond the issues of police harassment and rent, the student body also raised concerns about the worsening electricity supply in the country.
The association passed a vote of no confidence in the Federal Ministry of Power led by the minister, Adebayo Adelabu, describing the electricity crisis as detrimental to academic activities and student welfare.
Adeyemo warned that “Nigerian students cannot continue to operate in darkness while their academic future is jeopardised,” adding that the group may mobilise students for peaceful mass action if urgent steps are not taken.
The leadership further commended the management of the University of Lagos for steps taken toward reinstating the Students’ Union Government and urged other institutions with suspended unions, including LAUTECH, to follow suit.
The association also commended the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Asefon Sunday, for supporting student leadership initiatives.
NANS Southwest reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian students while engaging relevant authorities to address the challenges affecting students across the region.
