NANS urges UNN governing council, Education Ministry to address student welfare

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for the urgent intervention of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Governing Council and the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure that the students of the institution receive the welfare and quality education they deserve.

In a statement signed by NANS Senate President, Afeez Akinteye, on Thursday, NANS bemoaned the lack of welfare suffered by the students following an administrative crisis in the institution.

The students’ body declared its support for the institution’s governing council, adding that it aligns with the decision to set up a committee to investigate the developments.

According to the statement, “the students of the institution have suffered from a lack of welfare, including delays in fumigating the university’s twenty-seven hostels, as a result of the Registrar’s alleged misconduct.

“We express deep concern over the ongoing administrative crisis at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where the actions of the university’s Registrar, Dr Mrs Celine Nnebedum, have severely undermined student welfare and disrupted critical development projects in the university.

“Reports from concerned students and stakeholders indicate that the Registrar has continuously engaged in misconduct, among other allegations, all of which have negatively impacted the smooth running of the institution.

“One of the most alarming instances of this sabotage is the deliberate delay in fumigating the university’s twenty-seven hostels, despite severe pest infestations, including bedbugs, rats, mosquitoes, and even snakes, posing serious health risks to students. The fumigation finally commenced in January 2025.

“Further investigation has revealed that the Registrar has also allegedly obstructed the execution of several critical university projects. These deliberate acts of sabotage have significantly disrupted university administration and reflect a clear abuse of office.

“It is further disheartening that the Registrar attempted to impose an unjust financial penalty of nearly a quarter of a million naira on students for late file submissions, a move that was only stopped due to the timely intervention of the Acting Vice Chancellor.

“We align with the decision of the UNN Governing Council to set up a committee to investigate these disturbing developments and stand firmly with the Governing Council Chairman, recognising his integrity and commitment to the proper administration of the university. Furthermore, as students from the UNN campus have reached out to us, urging fairness in this matter, we strongly advise the Governing Council to ensure that justice is done. If this case is found to be a witch-hunt against the Vice-Chancellor, the necessary corrective measures must be taken to safeguard the integrity of the university’s leadership.

“In light of these serious infractions, we demand a thorough and impartial investigation into the Registrar’s deliberate obstruction of student-centred projects. We also call for the immediate release of all pending contract letters for projects already approved by the Tenders’ Board. Strong safeguards must be put in place to prevent administrative sabotage, ensuring that student welfare and university development are not hindered by personal interests.

“The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is an institution of national pride, and we will not stand by while its progress is derailed by administrative misconduct. NANS urges the Governing Council, the Federal Ministry of Education, and all relevant authorities to act swiftly to restore accountability and ensure that students receive the quality education and welfare they deserve,” the statement reads.

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