The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Zone C, has called on tertiary institutions in the North Central region to prioritize students’ welfare and abolish arbitrary and exploitative charges.
The Zonal Coordinator, Comr. Abiola Azeez Babatunde, made the call on Wednesday during a zonal press conference held at Muzazima Akaro, Ilorin, Kwara State.
Babatunde said students deserve a conducive learning environment, functional lecture halls, well-equipped laboratories, decent hostel accommodation, quality healthcare, constant water and electricity supply, and other essential facilities.
“Every fee paid by students must translate into visible services and facilities. It is unacceptable for institutions to collect charges for services that are either unavailable or poorly provided,” he said.
The NANS leader condemned the trend of late payment fees, unnecessary levies and other hidden charges introduced by some institutions in the zone.
He also decried delays in the refund of Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, payments to students who had earlier paid their tuition.
“NANS Zone C demands the immediate refund of all NELFUND payments due to affected students. Institutions must stop frustrating beneficiaries by unnecessarily delaying the repayment of funds that rightfully belong to students,” he stated.
Babatunde further called on the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, DSS and other security agencies to tighten security around campuses to curb robbery, kidnapping and harassment of students.
He issued a two-week ultimatum to all institutions in the North Central that are yet to conduct Students’ Union Government elections to commence and conclude the process.
“Failure to comply within the stipulated period will attract legitimate and constitutional actions from NANS Zone C,” he warned.
The Zonal coordinator also expressed disappointment over the ongoing strike at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, IBBUL, now in its second week.
He urged the Niger State Government under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to intervene immediately, warning that NANS Zone C would mobilize students for lawful and peaceful actions if the industrial action continues.
Babatunde said the establishment of the North Central Development Commission, NCDC, was welcome, but insisted that students must be included in its programmes on education, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, research and youth empowerment.
While commending the Kwara State Government for its interventions in education and youth empowerment, he urged the government to expand bursary and scholarship schemes and improve student accommodation and welfare policies.
“NANS Zone C remains committed to constructive engagement and the protection of the welfare, rights, security, and academic interests of Nigerian students,” he said.
