The National Association of University Students (NAUS), the foremost body representing university students across Nigeria, has voiced strong concerns over the worsening conditions in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
At a press conference held in Lagos over the weekend, the association urged both the Federal and State governments to take immediate action to create a more conducive learning environment for students.
In a statement signed by Tiamiyu Ibraheem Olayinka (Principle), NAUS National Vice President (Southwest), Comrade Makinde Ayodele Sunday, Chairman of the Press Conference Planning Committee, and Director of Publicity to the National Vice President (Southwest Zone), the group emphasized the urgent need to address the challenges facing Nigerian students.
NAUS called for swift renovations of dilapidated hostels and learning facilities, along with enhanced healthcare services to improve students’ well-being. They also advocated for the introduction of sustainable feeding programs or subsidies to assist students from low-income backgrounds.
Additionally, the association reiterated its stance on the recent increase in data tariffs, highlighting that a seven-day ultimatum issued to telecommunication companies and relevant authorities had yielded no response.
“As a result, we have no choice but to intensify our efforts to safeguard the rights and welfare of Nigerian students,” the statement read.
To push for their demands, NAUS Southwest Zone, in collaboration with the Campus Monitoring Committee (CMC) across the six Southwest states—Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti—plans to strategize on the next course of action should their concerns remain unaddressed.
Beyond the issue of telecom tariffs, NAUS expressed grave concerns over the rising insecurity on university campuses.
“Students’ lives are at risk. Our campuses have become unsafe, with incidents of robbery, harassment, and even abduction occurring frequently,” the group warned.
NAUS reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Nigerian students receive the protection, support, and conducive learning environment they deserve.
