NANS CONDEMNS POLICE HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS, RENT INCREASES IN SOUTHWEST
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has expressed concern over rising cases of police harassment and increasing accommodation costs affecting students in the region.
In a statement released on Friday, Zonal Coordinator Josiah Adeyemo said students are increasingly facing intimidation by security operatives and exploitation by landlords.
Adeyemo, together with Chairmen of the NANS Joint Campus Committee from all six Southwest states, held a press conference in Akure, Ondo State, to discuss pressing challenges confronting Nigerian students. He stated, “Nigerian students must not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, and extortion by law enforcement officers whose primary responsibility is to protect citizens.”
He further noted that reports continue to emerge of students being unlawfully stopped, searched, and extorted by security personnel across campuses and student communities.
“The NANS Southwest leadership has strongly condemned the recent surge in police brutality, harassment, and extortion targeting students in the region.
The student leaders highlighted multiple reports of students being unlawfully stopped, searched, and extorted by security personnel.
“They cited recent cases, including an alleged shooting of a student in Osogbo and the reported assault of a Students’ Union President in Ogun State,” the statement partly read.
Adeyemo also raised concerns about the rising cost of accommodation near tertiary institutions, noting that many students are facing harsh living conditions due to steep rents.
“Another key issue highlighted during the meeting was the rising cost of accommodation in student communities across the Southwest.
“The student leaders noted that landlords and agents are exploiting students by charging excessive rents, pushing many into overcrowded and unsafe living conditions,” the statement partly read.
The Southwest Coordinator urged state governments and Houses of Assembly across the region to implement student-friendly tenancy laws and rent control measures to protect students from exploitation.
He also called for urgent dialogue with the Nigeria Police Force leadership to address allegations of brutality and to establish disciplinary mechanisms for officers found guilty of misconduct against students.
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In addition to police harassment and rent issues, the student body raised concerns over the worsening electricity supply in the country.
The association expressed a vote of no confidence in the Federal Ministry of Power, led by Minister Adebayo Adelabu, describing the electricity crisis as harmful to academic activities and student welfare.
Adeyemo warned, “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 interventions are not made.
The leadership also praised the management of the University of Lagos for steps taken to reinstate the Students’ Union Government and encouraged other institutions with suspended unions, including LAUTECH, to take similar action.
The association commended the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Asefon Sunday, for their support of student leadership initiatives.
NANS Southwest reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian students while engaging relevant authorities to address the challenges affecting students across the region.
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