By: Ambali Olayinka

The National Association of University Students (NAUS) Southwest Zone has called on the federal government and relevant bodies to address the pressing challenges affecting Nigerian students.

This call was made during a press conference held at the International Press Centre, Ogba, Lagos, on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

NAUS addressed issues such as the recent increase in telecom tariffs, erratic power supply, rising insecurity on campuses, and the prolonged strike by clinical lecturers.

Speaking at the event, NAUS National Vice President (Southwest), Tiamiyu Olayinka Ibraheem (Principle), noted that students across the Southwest region have been facing unprecedented hardships, which are hindering academic progress and well-being.

The NAUS National Vice President highlighted the recent proactive steps taken by the association’s leadership to engage telecommunication companies and relevant authorities, which have so far been futile.

He expressed displeasure over the erratic power supply on campuses, which has disrupted academic activities and rendered school dormitories unconducive to learning.

Additionally, the Vice President raised growing safety concerns, citing recent incidents of robbery, violence, and kidnapping within university communities that have endangered students’ lives. He called on the government to prioritize security measures to protect students and their property.

NAUS condemned the deteriorating state of university facilities, noting that lecture theatres, laboratories, and dormitories have become unfit for learning due to negligence by the relevant authorities.

On the protracted clinical lecturers’ strike, Tiamiyu described the situation as a major setback for medical students, many of whom have been left stranded due to their inability to continue their training for over 100 days. He urged the federal government and the Ministry of Education to swiftly resolve the crisis so medical students can continue their training without further disruptions.

Other highlights of the press conference included reports from CMC Chairmen representing various Southwest states, detailing the specific challenges faced by students in their respective regions.

Odedele Covenant, the Student Union President of the University of Ibadan, spoke at the press conference about the negative impact of the clinical lecturers’ strike. He appealed to the federal government and the Ministry of Education to take swift action in resolving the dispute.

“By increasing telecom tariffs, these critical academic engagements are being disrupted.”

“Cases of Kidnapping, cult-related violence, theft and physical assault have become prevalent leaving students to live in constant fear”, he said.

“Laboratories, libraries, ICT centres, hostels and other key facilities remain underutilized due to unreliable electricity”, the Vice President said.

Student leaders, stakeholders, concerned students, and representatives from universities across the Southwest — including the University of Ibadan (UI), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), First Technical University, Ibadan, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Osun State University (UNIOSUN), National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Lagos (UNILAG), and Lagos State University (LASU), among others — were present.

An interactive session followed, allowing students to express their concerns directly. In response, the NAUS National Vice President answered all questions and assured them of NAUS Southwest’s commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students.