Student leaders in Nigeria’s Southwest have raised fresh concerns over the growing challenges facing undergraduates, particularly the rising cost of accommodation and alleged harassment by security personnel around university communities.
The issues were highlighted during a press conference in Akure, Ondo State, where the Southwest leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) gathered with representatives of the Joint Campus Committee from the six states in the region to discuss pressing student welfare matters.
Addressing journalists at the event, the Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the association, Josiah Adeyemo, said many students now face increasing economic and security pressures that are affecting their academic lives.
He explained that accommodation costs in many university towns have continued to rise sharply, leaving several students struggling to secure decent housing close to their campuses.
According to the student leader, landlords and property agents in several student communities have been accused of imposing excessive rents, a situation that has forced some students into overcrowded apartments or distant residential areas.
He warned that the growing cost of rent around campuses could worsen students’ living conditions if urgent measures are not introduced to regulate tenancy practices in student-populated areas.
The association therefore called on state governments and legislative houses in the Southwest to consider introducing tenancy regulations that would protect students from exploitative housing arrangements.
Beyond accommodation issues, the student body also raised concerns about alleged cases of intimidation and extortion involving security operatives in some parts of the region.
According to the statement issued after the meeting, the association had received multiple complaints from students who claimed they were stopped, searched, and questioned by security personnel while moving within student communities.
The student leaders cited reports of incidents in several areas, including an alleged shooting involving a student in Osogbo and a reported assault on a Students’ Union leader in Ogun State.
They noted that while law enforcement agencies play a critical role in maintaining security, their activities should not result in harassment or intimidation of students.
The association therefore urged the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to review the complaints and ensure that officers operating around campuses maintain professional conduct when dealing with students.
The student body also drew attention to the broader issue of unstable electricity supply, which it said continues to affect academic work in universities and polytechnics across the region.
During the briefing, the association criticised the performance of the Federal Ministry of Power (Nigeria), led by Adebayo Adelabu, stating that poor electricity supply remains a major obstacle to effective learning.
According to the NANS leadership, many students rely on electricity to power laptops, internet devices, and other academic tools required for research and assignments.
The association warned that if the issues affecting students are not addressed, it may mobilise undergraduates across the region for peaceful advocacy actions to demand reforms.
Despite the concerns raised, the student leaders also commended the management of the University of Lagos for steps taken toward reinstating the institution’s Students’ Union Government.
They encouraged other institutions where student unions remain suspended, including Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, to consider restoring democratic student representation.
The association also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, for their efforts in supporting youth and student engagement initiatives.
The Southwest leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students reaffirmed that it would continue to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders to improve welfare conditions for students across the region.
