The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Council (JCC) in Lagos State has appealed to both the federal and state governments to address the pressing issues affecting students in Lagos’ tertiary institutions.
Speaking at a press conference held at Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET), the Chairman of NANS JCC, Abdulraheem Abdulquadri, highlighted several challenges, including deteriorating hostel conditions at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and rising tuition fees across various institutions.
Abdulquadri expressed concern about the state of hostel accommodation at UNILAG, where students have been deprived of access to on-campus facilities despite a recent hike in tuition fees and an increase in utility charges from ₦15,000 to ₦40,000. He criticized the university management for enforcing online classes, which have disrupted academic activities, adding to the financial burden on students and their families. “Despite the recent increase in tuition fees and 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,” he said.
Abdulquadri also drew attention to the power supply issues at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), which, despite being placed in band A, only receives four hours of electricity instead of the 20 hours promised. He emphasized the importance of reliable power for academic success and student welfare, urging the government and the power authorities to resolve the crisis. “We urge the PHCN to resolve this electricity crisis promptly. Adequate power is vital for academic success and overall student welfare,” he stated.
The NANS JCC also expressed concern over the financial strain caused by a 30 percent tuition fee increase at LASCOHET, which has forced some students to withdraw. Abdulquadri called for a reversal of the fee hike to prevent further withdrawals and ensure that education remains accessible to all students. “Education is a fundamental right, and ensuring its accessibility should remain a priority,” he said.
Additionally, NANS voiced opposition to a new policy excluding HND graduates from part-time programs from participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). This sudden change has left many students facing emotional and financial distress after investing significant time and resources. “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,” Abdulquadri emphasized.
In a final call to action, Abdulquadri threatened mass protests unless the issues were addressed within a week, giving a seven-day ultimatum to the NYSC and JAMB to reverse the policy. “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,” he warned. The students remain determined to fight for their rights and call on both the federal and state governments to urgently intervene in the worsening conditions at tertiary institutions in Lagos.
