The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Governing Council and the Federal Ministry of Education to immediately address growing concerns over student welfare, citing administrative lapses that have disrupted essential services and campus development.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NANS Senate President, Afeez Akinteye, expressed frustration over what the association described as deliberate obstruction of student-focused initiatives. He pointed to a series of alleged missteps by the university’s Registrar, which, according to NANS, have negatively impacted students’ living conditions and overall well-being.
One of the most pressing concerns highlighted was the delayed fumigation of student hostels, a situation that left thousands of residents vulnerable to infestations of bedbugs, mosquitoes, and rodents. Reports suggest that despite multiple warnings about deteriorating conditions, the fumigation process was stalled until January 2025, exposing students to unnecessary health risks.
“This level of negligence is unacceptable. The welfare of students must not be compromised due to administrative inefficiencies,” NANS stated.
Beyond hostel conditions, NANS accused the Registrar of obstructing several key university projects and attempting to introduce questionable financial penalties on students. According to the student body, these actions have led to widespread frustration among students, who now fear that their academic experience is being hampered by internal power struggles.
The statement further warned that failure to resolve these issues could lead to increased agitation on campus, with students prepared to take action if necessary improvements are not made.
In response to the ongoing crisis, NANS has backed the decision of the UNN Governing Council to launch an inquiry into the matter. However, the association insists that the process must be thorough and free from bias.
“We are closely monitoring the developments, and we will not hesitate to call for stronger actions if the investigation lacks transparency. The rights and welfare of students must be prioritized,” NANS declared.
As concerns mount, NANS is urging the Federal Ministry of Education to step in and ensure that student welfare is not sidelined. The association emphasized that university leadership must focus on fostering a conducive academic environment rather than engaging in administrative disputes that ultimately hurt students.
“The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, holds a prestigious place in our nation’s education system, and we will not allow mismanagement to tarnish its reputation. Immediate reforms are needed to restore confidence in the system,” NANS stated.
