Elegbede Abiodun
NANS enumerated the safety risks posed by persistent blackout.
The National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West zone, has a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the Ministry of Power under Bayo Adelabu, citing the persistent electricity crisis across campuses in the six Southwestern states.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Coordinator of NANS Southwest (Zone D), Adeyemo Josiah, lamented that students have endured prolonged darkness that has disrupted not only academic activities but also research, online learning, and daily routines.
“For several months, students across campuses in the six Southwestern states have endured prolonged darkness, a situation that has become particularly painful during critical academic periods such as examinations,” Josiah said.
He explained that hostels, libraries, and study centres have remained without power for extended periods, leaving students unable to study effectively or complete assignments on time.
“The situation has created frustration and anxiety among students who depend on electricity to study, conduct research, and complete assignments,” he added.
Beyond academics, NANS highlighted the safety risks posed by the blackout.
According to the students’ group, darkness on campuses often provides opportunities for criminal activities such as theft, armed robbery, and other security threats, leaving students and their belongings vulnerable.
“Darkness often creates opportunities for criminal activities such as theft and armed robbery, putting the lives and properties of students at risk,” the statement read.
The students expressed concern over the leadership and focus of the Ministry of Power. Since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu was expected to aggressively address Nigeria’s longstanding electricity challenges, but NANS argued that the reality on the ground has been a continuous decline in power supply.
“Reports and political discussions suggesting an early concentration on future political ambitions have raised questions among students about whether the ministry is receiving the full commitment it requires,” Josiah said.
“Electricity is not just a convenience; it is a necessity for safety, productivity, and academic excellence,” he said.
The association is calling on the Federal Government to take immediate action. “In light of these realities, students across South-West Nigeria hereby express a strong vote of no confidence in the current leadership of the Ministry of Power under Honourable Bayo Adelabu.
”We call on the Federal Government to urgently review the performance of the ministry and take decisive actions that will restore stable electricity across the nation,” the statement concluded.
NANS added that students deserve a system that supports learning, guarantees safety, and ensures that educational institutions can operate without constant disruption.
