The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has raised alarm over the increasing number of student fatalities in tertiary institutions.
The Association urged the Nigerian authorities to address the underlying issues and implement measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
NANS President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, called attention to the tragic case of Miss Favour Ugwuka, a final-year student at Ebonyi State University, who reportedly took her own life due to pressure from a lecturer who repeatedly failed her.
NANS condemned the lecturer’s actions and called for an investigation to prevent similar incidents.
“While we strongly believe that suicide is not a solution to any problem, we condemn the actions of the lecturer that led to the death of Miss Favour.
“We call for an immediate investigation into the matter, as we believe it will serve as a deterrent to others with similar intentions,” he stated.
He also cited the murders of James Michael Anajuwe and Musa Hussein, students of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Kogi State, as events that threaten educational pursuits.
“We are concerned that incidents like these continue to instill fear in students who are eager to pursue their studies for the sole purpose of developing society,” he pointed out.
Emonefe also demanded justice for Alex, a student from Ajayi Crowther University, who was beaten to death by fellow students for allegedly stealing a mobile phone.
NANS emphasised the need for authorities to ensure the safety and security of students both on and off campus, pointing out significant security gaps revealed by these incidents.
“We also demand justice for the soul of a student from Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, identified as Alex, who was unjustly killed on Saturday, May 25th by his fellow students over an allegation of phone theft.
“It is crucial for authorities to fulfill their constitutional duty of ensuring the safety and security of students, both on and off campus. The recent incidents have exposed significant security gaps that must be addressed urgently.
The Association pledged to continue advocating for justice for the victims.
“NANS, under our leadership, will continue to advocate for justice for these innocent students who have untimely lost their lives,” he said.