The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), North-East Zone, has raised an alarm over an acute shortage of potable water in some tertiary institutions across Gombe State, describing the situation as a serious threat to students’ health and academic activities.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Gombe, the Zonal Coordinator of NANS North-East, Muazu Hina, expressed concern that Nigerian students in affected institutions are “currently grappling with an alarming shortage of potable water,” a development he described as “unacceptable and dangerous”.
Hina noted that the situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing cankerworm infestation, which has disrupted water sources and sanitation facilities within campuses, exposing students to health risks and undermining academic activities. “The crisis has been compounded by the ongoing cankerworm infestation, which has disrupted water sources and sanitation facilities, exposing students to health risks and undermining academic activities”, he said.
The NANS coordinator emphasized that access to clean water remains a fundamental human right and a critical requirement for effective learning, calling on the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to intervene urgently. He urged the Commission to “rise to the occasion by deploying solar-powered boreholes and sustainable water infrastructure to the affected institutions”.
According to Hina, addressing water and electricity challenges in tertiary institutions falls squarely within the mandate of the NEDC. “Addressing water and power challenges in educational institutions aligns directly with the developmental and humanitarian mandate of the NEDC, particularly in rebuilding and strengthening social infrastructure in the North East,” he said.
Hina revealed that despite several appeals and engagements with the Commission, the water crisis has persisted. “Despite repeated appeals and engagements with the Commission, the situation remains unresolved,” he said, warning that urgent action is needed “to prevent further deterioration of students’ welfare and institutional stability”.
NANS reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy, stating that it would not relent until concrete action is taken. “NANS North East will not be silent in the face of neglect. We will continue to advocate, engage, and demand accountability in the interest of Nigerian students and the future of education in the region,” Hina stated.
