NANS Declares Emergency On Poor Hostels

NANS has declared a national emergency over poor hostel conditions in tertiary institutions
The student body says many facilities are unsafe due to years of neglect
The association pledged to work with authorities to improve students’ accommodation

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has raised alarm over the worsening condition of hostel facilities in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, declaring a national emergency on students’ accommodation.

Eko Hot Blog gathered that the NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, made the declaration on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the association’s 2026 National Executive Council.

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Babatunde described the condition of many students’ hostels as unacceptable, saying years of neglect had left several accommodation facilities unsafe and unsuitable for students.

He noted that many undergraduates were currently living in environments affected by poor sanitation, inadequate basic amenities and safety risks.

“The condition of students’ hostels across our tertiary institutions is deeply concerning. Many facilities have suffered prolonged neglect and are no longer fit for students,” he said.

The NANS president pledged that his administration would prioritise students’ welfare and work with relevant authorities to address the accommodation challenges facing learners nationwide.

He also promised to pursue the association’s agenda aimed at improving the overall experience of Nigerian students and ensuring their voices are considered in education policies.

Speaking at the event, President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, called for stronger cooperation between student leaders and government to achieve meaningful reforms in the education sector.

Tinubu said collaboration with NANS was necessary to drive progress in education, while commending the peaceful transition of leadership within the association.

He also praised the previous NANS administration for raising concerns over alleged diversion of funds meant for students through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, represented by Mrs Amy Igwe, urged the student body to continue promoting unity, patriotism and skills development among young Nigerians.

He said the Federal Government was placing greater emphasis on technical education and entrepreneurship to improve graduates’ employability.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, encouraged student leaders to maintain dialogue with government and other stakeholders to sustain stability in tertiary institutions.

The Vice-Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, advised NANS to rebuild trust among students, defend their interests and work with stakeholders to address challenges affecting higher education.

Poor hostel conditions have remained a major issue in Nigerian tertiary institutions, with students frequently reporting overcrowded rooms, inadequate water supply, faulty infrastructure, poor sanitation and unreliable electricity.

The shortage of affordable campus accommodation has also forced many students to seek off-campus housing, increasing financial pressure and exposing some to security concerns.

Although government agencies and institutions have introduced hostel renovation and construction projects, student groups have continued to demand more urgent interventions to meet the growing accommodation needs of students.

NANS said improving hostel facilities is critical to creating a safer and more conducive environment for learning across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

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