The Lagos State and federal governments have been urged to solve the difficulties experienced by students at the state’s postsecondary institutions by the Joint Campus Council (JCC) of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

Nigerian vacation packages The chairman of the NANS JCC Lagos State Chapter, Abdulraheem Abdulquadri, said in a statement following a press conference at Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET), Lagos, that issues like the appalling condition of dorm accommodations in some of the state’s universities, including the University of Lagos (UNILAG), should be addressed.

He bemoaned the fact that despite recent tuition fee increases and, most notably, the increase in utility expenses from ₦15,000 to ₦40,000, UNILAG students have been denied access to on-campus facilities.
Abdulquadri added that despite moving to band A, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), another state university, still experiences inadequate power supply.He claims that only four hours of electricity had been provided on campus, compared to the twenty hours that Band A consumers receive.

NANS also expressed disapproval of LASCOHET’s 30% tuition fee increase, stating that given the nation’s economic circumstances, students are being pushed to leave the school.

“We urge the management of UNILAG to take immediate action to resolve these issues. In my capacity as NANS Chairman, we will act right away to guarantee a reasonable tuition schedule and a supportive learning environment for every student.

“Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) is currently facing many difficulties, especially with regard to the electrical problem. The pupils have been assigned to band A, which consists of four $1,000 units. We have written to request this adjustment in an attempt to voice our concerns, but regrettably, we have not heard back. The most discouraging thing that everyone is complaining about is that, even though we are in band A, we only get roughly 4 hours of power each day as opposed to the anticipated 20 hours.

“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.”