The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Council (JCC) in Lagos State has appealed to the federal government and Lagos State government to address challenges faced by students in tertiary institutions in the state.
In a communiqué issued after a press conference held at Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET), Lagos, the Chairman of NANS JCC Lagos State Chapter, Abdulraheem Abdulquadri, stated that challenges such as the deplorable state of hostel accommodation in some of the universities in the state, including the University of Lagos (UNILAG), should be addressed.
He lamented that students of UNILAG have not been allowed to utilise on-campus facilities despite the recent increase in tuition fees and, notably, the hike in utility charges from ₦15,000 to ₦40,000.
Abdulquadri further stated that another tertiary institution in the state, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), also faces poor power supply despite migration to band A.
According to him, electricity on the campus has only been supplied for 4 hours against the 20 hours which is being enjoyed by Band A customers.
NANS also bemoaned the 30 per cent increment in tuition fees at LASCOHET, adding that students are forced to withdraw from the institution amidst the economic situation of the country.
The students’ association also requested the reversal of the exclusion of HND graduates with part-time backgrounds.
“I welcome you all to this important world press conference. I am highly honoured and delighted to address you on this important occasion to inform the world about the new leadership of NANS in Lagos State and also address issues of national importance regarding the state of our campuses in Lagos State as it concerns the most productive segment of our society, the students, and the nation at large.
“The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is currently facing a severe crisis stemming from hostel accommodation challenges. This has compelled the university management to enforce online classes for students, which has significantly undermined academic activities. The economic realities faced by students and their families, coupled with the inherent challenges of virtual learning, have further exacerbated the situation.
“Despite the recent increase in tuition fees and, notably, the hike in utility charges from ₦15,000 to ₦40,000, students have not been allowed to utilise on-campus facilities for nearly the entirety of the first semester. Yet, they are being forced to pay these exorbitant fees for services they have not accessed. This unjust practice has added to the financial burden of students and their families, raising questions about fairness and accountability in the administration’s policies.
“We call on the UNILAG management to urgently address these challenges. Under my leadership as the NANS Chairman, we will intervene immediately to ensure a fair fee structure and a conducive learning environment for all students.
“The current situation at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) is quite challenging, particularly concerning the issue of electricity. The students have been placed in band A, which has four units costing 1,000. We’ve attempted to communicate our concerns through a letter requesting this adjustment, but unfortunately, we have not received a response. The most disheartening aspect that everyone is expressing frustration over is that, despite being in band A, we’re only getting about 4 hours of power instead of the expected 20 hours in a 24-hour period.
“Additionally, the housing situation is becoming increasingly concerning as well; it’s shocking to see single rooms renting for over 100,000. This is a tough time for many, and it’s important that we find a solution to these pressing issues.
“We urge the PHCN to resolve this electricity crisis promptly. Adequate power is vital for academic success and overall student welfare.
“We’ve received a lot of calls and messages from our students around the Epe environ following the incessant power outages and vandalisation of electricity cables in Epe town, Lagos State. As a result of the power outage, students have suffered setbacks in the town.
“It is said that Epe had not enjoyed electricity in the last 10 years, adding that the matter became worse in the last four months as thieves carted away the high-tension cables conveying electricity to Epe from Ikorodu.
“Perpetual power outages have made life unbearable for students due to the nefarious activities of cable thieves. What is life without light? What is Epe without power supply?
“We hereby call on the government to wade into the situation and restore power supply. Also, we are pleading with Ikeja Disco to do everything possible to restore light to Epe. Ikeja Disco should act fast and restore electricity to the entire Epe Division. Enough of darkness in the entire Epe town.
“We have been informed of the growing concern among students at Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET) regarding the 30% increment in tuition fees amidst the current economic challenges. This increase has resulted in financial strain on many students, with some being forced to withdraw from school due to the inability to meet the new fee demands. This call aims to prevent further withdrawals and ensure that every student currently enrolled at LASCOHET can continue their academic journey without undue financial hardship.
“As a representative body, we call on the management of LASCOHET to reconsider this increment and provide a more reasonable fee structure that aligns with the financial realities of students and their families. Education is a fundamental right, and ensuring its accessibility should remain a priority. We are confident that the management will prioritise the welfare of the student community and take swift action to address this pressing issue.
“We write to express our deep concern and appeal against the recent policy excluding students who completed their National Diploma (ND) on a part-time basis and transitioned to full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes from participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
“It is important to note that HND is a superior qualification to ND, as it represents a higher level of education and training. Many of those who enrolled in part-time ND programmes later transitioned to full-time HND programmes, fulfilling all the requirements set forth by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), including completing the regularisation process and making the necessary payments.
“This policy, which they were not made fully aware of during their academic journey, has come as a devastating shock, especially after all the time, resources, and stress they’ve endured with the singular aim of serving our nation through the NYSC programme. Prior to now, they were under the impression, based on JAMB’s guidelines, that after proper regularisation, they would be eligible to serve.
“This sudden policy change has placed an undue burden on them, both financially and emotionally. The stress of meeting the rigorous requirements for HND admission, completing the programme, and preparing for NYSC has been immense. Many of them have endured significant mental strain, as this exclusion now threatens their career aspirations and disrupts their future plans.
“We humbly appeal to the NYSC to reconsider this policy. Denying the ND part-time students the opportunity to serve the country after all the efforts they’ve made is unjust. We urge you to consider the following:
“We call on the NYSC DG and JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, to reverse this discriminatory policy. We give a 7-day ultimatum to address this issue or face decisive actions, including mass protests. We won’t have any other means than to use our last C’s which stand for CONFRONTATION as the first two C’s (Consultation and Consolidation) have been exhausted without any positive outcome.”
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