The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Lagos State Chapter, has called on authorities to swiftly tackle the electricity challenges plaguing campuses across Lagos State.
Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday at the Lagos State College of Health, Abdul-Raheem Abdul-Quadri, the newly elected chairman of the Lagos NANS chapter, highlighted the critical issues faced by students due to unreliable power supply and inadequate infrastructure.
Abdul-Quadri appreciated the peaceful conduct of the NANS elections held on December 14, 2024. However, he drew attention to the dire electricity situation affecting institutions such as the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) and others in the Epe area.
Also READ - Defending Tinubu’s Administration Is the Easiest Job Says Bwala
He noted that LASUSTECH students currently experience only four hours of electricity daily, despite being classified under Band A, which should provide up to 20 hours of power.
“This lack of electricity has severely disrupted academic activities,” Abdul-Quadri stated, calling on the Power Holding Company of Nigeria to resolve the issue urgently.
He further revealed that institutions in Epe, including LASUED, MOCOPED, YABATECH, and LASU, have endured over a decade of inconsistent power supply. Recent cases of cable theft have worsened the already dire situation.
NANS appealed to the government and Ikeja Electric to restore power to the affected areas, emphasizing the negative impact of prolonged outages on students’ education and daily lives.
“We urge the government to intervene immediately and ensure the restoration of electricity. Ikeja Disco must act swiftly to bring light back to Epe. Students and residents can no longer endure the persistent darkness,” the student body stated.
Other Issues Raised by NANS
The association also addressed several other pressing challenges faced by students in Lagos State:
University of Lagos (UNILAG):
NANS criticized the lack of adequate hostel accommodation and the transition to online classes at UNILAG. Students reportedly lack access to essential on-campus facilities despite increased tuition and utility fees. The association urged UNILAG management to prioritize these issues and ensure a conducive learning environment.Lagos State College of Health Technology:
Students at the Lagos State College of Health Technology face financial hardship following a 30% increase in tuition fees. NANS called on the institution to reconsider the fee hike, stressing the need for affordable education, especially in challenging economic times.National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Policy:
NANS criticized a policy that bars students transitioning from part-time National Diploma (ND) programs to full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) programs from participating in the National Youth Service Corps. The association appealed to NYSC and JAMB to reverse the policy, highlighting its adverse effects on students' futures.
FAQs
- What is NANS advocating for in Lagos institutions?
- Which institutions are most affected by the electricity crisis?
- What issues are UNILAG students experiencing?
- Why is NANS opposing the NYSC policy?
- What solutions has NANS proposed?
0 Comments