The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has vowed to intensify its fight against corruption in tertiary institutions across the country, warning that institutions engaging in practices detrimental to students’ welfare will face decisive action.
The newly inaugurated NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, made the declaration on Tuesday during his inaugural address, where he also announced a “state of emergency” on the poor condition of students’ hostels in Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
Afeez, who described himself as the “Chief Servant” of Nigerian students, said his administration would prioritise accountability, transparency and improved welfare for students across the country.
He said NANS would no longer fold its arms while students suffer from exploitation, poor infrastructure and other challenges within tertiary institutions.
“We are rebuilding NANS into a structure that works for you, a voice that matters in decision-making and policy formulation, and a force that cannot be ignored,” he said.
The NANS president disclosed that the association had already begun engaging institutions and government agencies over issues affecting students, including alleged discrepancies in the implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.
According to him, NANS had released a list of institutions that allegedly failed to refund students despite receiving interventions from NELFUND, adding that the association had commenced a clampdown on institutions involved in corrupt practices.
He specifically cited Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, as one of the institutions where NANS had taken action over alleged misconduct.
“We have continued to raise our voice over the discrepancies in NELFUND disbursements. We have also continued to monitor and follow up on the implementation of the scheme to ensure that every eligible Nigerian student receives what is due to them,” he said.
“Furthermore, we have released a comprehensive list of defaulting institutions that have failed to refund students despite NELFUND intervention. There has also been a total clampdown on institutions engaged in corrupt practices, particularly at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree,” he stated.
Afeez also assured students that the payment of NELFUND upkeep allowances would commence within the week, while promising continued monitoring of the scheme.
On students’ accommodation, the NANS president expressed concern over the deteriorating state of hostels in many tertiary institutions, describing the situation as unacceptable.
“The state of students’ hostels across our tertiary institutions is pathetically disheartening. Many hostels are in deplorable and dilapidated conditions, and they continue to deteriorate with little or no attention from the relevant authorities,” he said.
He lamented that many students were forced to live in environments characterised by poor sanitation, inadequate facilities and other hazards, adding that such conditions were not suitable for institutions of learning.
“Consequently, I hereby declare a state of emergency on students’ hostels across tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The welfare, safety, and dignity of Nigerian students can no longer be compromised,” he stated.
The NANS president also highlighted some interventions recorded by his administration within its first 50 days in office, including engagements with the Federal Government and Oyo State Government over the rescue of students and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He said NANS also secured the reinstatement of suspended students from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), and other institutions.
Afeez added that the association had established committees to monitor Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), North East Development Commission (NEDC) and Industrial Training Fund (ITF) interventions to ensure students benefit from government programmes.
He further disclosed that NANS had engaged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to promote student-friendly telecommunications services and had secured scholarship and employment opportunities through partnerships with stakeholders.
On the 2027 general elections, the NANS president said Nigerian students must play a major role in determining the country’s leadership, stressing that the association would provide direction when the time comes.
“As Nigerian students, and with NANS as our umbrella body, we constitute a large percentage of the nation’s population and, as such, we are major stakeholders. We must be actively involved in determining who governs us,” he said.
Afeez urged students to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), noting that NANS structures across the country had begun mobilisation efforts.
He pledged that his administration would restore NANS’ position as a strong voice for Nigerian students and create a platform where students could contribute to national development.
“The Epoch has begun, the mission is clear, and the future is ours to shape,” he said.
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