Nigerian Students' Union Threatens Widespread Protests Amid Power Outage Crisis

The South-West leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students has issued a stark warning to the Federal Government, stating that it may mobilise students for peaceful mass action if the worsening electricity crisis is not urgently addressed.

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This warning was conveyed in a statement jointly signed by Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, also known as "BILLIONCODES", and Comrade Tiamiyu Ademola, the Chairman of Chairmen of the NANS Joint Campus Committee in the South-West, on Friday.

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The student body has also raised concerns over the increasing cases of police harassment and extortion targeting students, as well as the rising cost of accommodation in university communities, describing these developments as serious threats to the welfare and academic progress of Nigerian students.

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These concerns were made public during a press conference held in Akure, Ondo State, where the NANS South-West leadership addressed journalists alongside Chairmen of the NANS Joint Campus Committee from the six states in the region, including Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, and Ekiti states.

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The meeting followed extensive consultations among student leaders across the zone to deliberate on pressing issues affecting Nigerian students, including the persistent electricity crisis, cases of police brutality, rising accommodation costs, and the need to strengthen student leadership at the state level.

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Adeyemo expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current electricity situation, describing it as devastating to academic activities and student welfare, and stating that persistent power outages have created serious challenges for students who depend heavily on electricity.

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After consulting with the six JCC state chairmen, the NANS South-West leadership has resolved to pass a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Power under the Honourable Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently review the ministry's performance.

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Adeyemo emphasised that Nigerian students cannot continue to operate in darkness while their academic future is jeopardised, and stated that electricity is not a luxury for students, but a necessity for learning, research, and safety within campuses and communities.

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The student leaders also expressed concern over global developments, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has contributed to rising energy costs and inflation affecting Nigerians, and called for peaceful resolutions to global conflicts.

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Adeyemo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts aimed at maintaining national peace and stability amid challenging economic conditions, but noted that the issue of electricity requires urgent and practical solutions because it directly affects the daily lives of millions of Nigerians, including students.

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The NANS South-West leadership condemned the resurgence of police brutality, harassment, and extortion targeting students across the region, citing recent incidents, including an alleged shooting involving a student in Osogbo and the reported assault of a Students' Union President in Ogun State.

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Adeyemo stated that Nigerian students must not be subjected to harassment and intimidation by law enforcement officers, and called for an urgent meeting with the Inspector-General of Police to address the issue and establish clear mechanisms for disciplining officers found guilty of misconduct.

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The association also expressed concern over the increasing cost of accommodation in student communities across the South-West, with landlords and property agents imposing excessive rents and forcing many students into overcrowded and unsafe housing conditions.

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Adeyemo called on state Houses of Assembly across the South-West to introduce student-friendly tenancy regulations and rent control measures to protect students from exploitation.

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The student leaders expressed appreciation to the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Ayodele Olawande, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Asefon Sunday, for their support towards student leadership development, particularly the provision of six operational vehicles to the six NANS Zonal Coordinators.

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Adeyemo noted that this initiative has greatly enhanced the capacity of student leadership to engage stakeholders and respond more effectively to student-related issues across the country.

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The leadership commended the NANS National President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, for his continued commitment to strengthening student leadership structures across Nigeria.

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The Forum of JCC State Chairmen appealed for further logistical support to enhance the operational effectiveness of student leadership at the state level, noting that state chairmen require adequate mobility and resources to effectively engage campuses and respond to student concerns.

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The NANS South-West leadership commended the management of the University of Lagos for steps taken towards reinstating the Students' Union Government and urged other institutions with suspended unions, including the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, to follow suit.

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The association emphasised that student unionism remains a fundamental democratic right and an essential platform for student representation, and reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian students.