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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has declared a state of emergency on the deplorable condition of students’ hostels across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, made the declaration at the inauguration of the new NANS Executive under his chairmanship.
In his speech, the NANS President pledged to reposition the association as a fearless advocate for students’ welfare, and also strengthen oversight of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Akinteye said his administration would be driven by service, accountability and constructive engagement to improve the lives of more than 40 million Nigerian students at home and in the diaspora.
Describing himself as the “chief servant” of Nigerian students, he vowed not to betray the confidence reposed in him by the electorate, promising to build a transparent and result-oriented association.
He lamented the poor state of students’ accommodation in many institutions, describing many hostels as dilapidated, unsafe and unfit for learning.
“The welfare, safety and dignity of Nigerian students can no longer be compromised,” he declared while announcing a state of emergency on students’ hostels nationwide.
The NANS president also promised sustained advocacy on NELFUND, saying the association would continue to monitor loan disbursements, expose institutions involved in irregularities and ensure every eligible student received their entitlement.
According to him, the association has already published the names of institutions that failed to refund students after receiving NELFUND payments and would continue to demand accountability from school authorities.
Reviewing activities undertaken since emerging president about 50 days ago, Akinteye said NANS successfully intervened in the rescue efforts for abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, secured the reinstatement of suspended students at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), and facilitated the reinstatement of more than 14 students across various campuses.
He added that the association had constituted monitoring committees on TETFund, NDDC, NEDC and ITF interventions, launched an online verification portal for unpaid Industrial Training Fund beneficiaries, raised concerns over discrepancies in NELFUND disbursements, and engaged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to improve affordable telecommunications services for students.
Akinteye also disclosed that NANS had begun mobilising students nationwide to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of 2027 elections, insisting that students must play an active role in determining Nigeria’s political future.
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“We are rebuilding NANS into a structure that works for students, a voice that matters in policy formulation and a force that cannot be ignored,” he said.
Earlier, the keynote speaker and Vice-Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, congratulated Akinteye, describing him as one of the institution’s distinguished alumni.
Ologunorisa urged the new NANS leadership to embrace constructive engagement rather than confrontation, stressing that student leaders should engage ministers, vice-chancellors, chief executives and policymakers with practical solutions to challenges confronting higher education.
He challenged the new executive to launch a NANS Innovation Initiative within its first 100 days in office and partner with public and private organisations to support innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-driven development among students.
The vice-chancellor also called on the association to strengthen oversight of NELFUND, monitor disbursements, protect the scheme from abuse and ensure that no eligible student was left behind.
He further urged NANS to work closely with security agencies, traditional institutions and university authorities to improve campus security, saying insecurity remained a major threat to education.
“Additionally, the new leadership should champion improved hostel facilities, campaign against examination malpractice, advocate increased funding for tertiary education and defend the rights of vulnerable groups, including students living with disabilities,” he said.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, commended the peaceful transition in the association, saying it reflected growing unity within NANS.
Asefon praised President Bola Tinubu for reforms in the education sector, particularly initiatives aimed at expanding access to education and sustaining stability in tertiary institutions.
He also commended Akinteye for his early interventions on the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State and for exposing alleged irregularities in the implementation of NELFUND by some tertiary institutions.
Describing the new NANS president as proactive, Asefon said his office would continue to partner with the association in advancing students’ welfare and protecting their interests.
The inauguration attracted student leaders from across the country, vice-chancellors, government officials, education stakeholders and youth leaders, marking the formal inauguration of the new National Executive Council of NANS.
