NANS declares national emergency over dilapidated campus hostels

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared a national emergency concerning the deteriorating state of student hostels across Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. NANS warns that the ongoing neglect of accommodation facilities poses a significant threat to students' welfare, safety, and dignity.

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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.

NANS President Akinteye Babatunde made the declaration in Abuja during the inauguration of the 2026 National Executive Council. He described the condition of student accommodation nationwide as "pathetically disheartening," noting that many hostels have become uninhabitable due to years of neglect. "Many hostels are in deplorable and dilapidated conditions, and they continue to deteriorate with little or no attention from the relevant authorities," Akinteye stated.

Students are often forced to live in environments with poor sanitation and inadequate facilities, conditions deemed unsuitable for institutions of higher 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," Akinteye declared.

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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.

Akinteye pledged to prioritize student welfare and engage relevant authorities to resolve the accommodation crisis. He also spoke of pursuing an "Epoch Agenda" for Nigerian students, expressing unwavering confidence in their potential. President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, urged the new NANS leadership to collaborate constructively with the government on educational reforms.

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I promise never to betray the trust you have reposed in me through the ballot. Going forward, I refuse to be counted among those who enjoy the harvest yet forget those who planted the seeds.

Tinubu commended the peaceful leadership transition within NANS, viewing it as a sign of unity among Nigerian students. He reiterated his administration's commitment to education through reforms aimed at improving the sector and addressing the challenge of out-of-school children. The President also praised the outgoing NANS leadership for exposing alleged diversion of funds from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

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Without the support of NANS, development in the education sector will be hampered. We need collaboration to promote growth and development in education.