By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has denounced the recent surge in the killings of students in some of Nigeria’s higher education institutions.
NANS specifically highlighted the recent deaths of James Michael Anajuwe and Musa Hussein, both students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Lokoja, Kogi state. The organization also condemned the passing of Miss Favour Ugwuka, a final-year student of Ebonyi State University, who tragically took her own life on Wednesday, 22nd May, allegedly due to the undue pressure exerted by a lecturer who continuously failed her in his course. Furthermore, NANS deplored the unjust demise of a student from Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, identified as Alex, who was allegedly killed by his peers over an accusation of phone theft on Saturday, May 25th.
In a statement released on Monday, NANS President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, expressed deep concern over the recent escalation in student killings, which poses a significant threat to the education system in Nigeria. He voiced apprehensions that such incidents could perpetuate fear among students who aspire to further their education for the betterment of society. While NANS firmly believes that suicide is not a viable solution to any predicament, the organization rebuked the actions of the lecturer that led to Miss Favour’s untimely demise.
NANS called for an immediate inquiry into the matter, asserting that it would serve as a deterrent to individuals harboring similar intentions. The student body also demanded justice for the deceased student from Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, identified as Alex.
The NANS President underscored the imperative for the authorities to fulfill their constitutional obligation of ensuring the safety and security of students, both within and outside campus premises, as the recent incidents have laid bare significant security loopholes that demand urgent rectification.
The NANS President affirmed that during his tenure, the student body will persist in advocating for justice on behalf of these innocent students whose lives were tragically cut short.
