Nigerian Students Demand Urgent Action on Hostel Conditions

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared a national emergency due to the deplorable conditions of students' hostels across Nigerian universities and polytechnics. During the inauguration of the 2026 National Executive Council, President Babatunde Akintey emphasized that the neglect of accommodation facilities poses a serious threat to the welfare, safety, and dignity of students.

Reports indicate that many hostels are in dilapidated conditions, with inadequate sanitation, overcrowding, and a lack of basic amenities such as water and functional toilets. The surroundings of some hostels are described as bushy and unkempt, with instances of armed robberies reported.

NANS calls for urgent assistance from alumni associations, the public, and the private sector to address these issues holistically. The organization criticizes the government's failure to maintain existing structures and urges for a creative approach to managing resources and facilities to ensure a conducive learning environment.