The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the displacement of students following the demolition of Legacy Hostel in Ifite, Awka, Anambra State, calling on the state government to urgently provide relief and support for the affected students.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, the association expressed concern over the plight of the students, alleging that they had been left homeless for about 10 days after the demolition of the 54-room hostel.
According to NANS, the hostel developed visible structural cracks and was reportedly on the verge of collapse before it was demolished by the Anambra State Government. The association, however, alleged that despite the demolition, neither the state government nor the hostel management had made adequate arrangements for the welfare of the displaced students, many of whom had paid for a full year’s accommodation but occupied the facility for only about four months.
The students’ body described the situation as inhumane, arguing that no responsible authority should demolish an occupied hostel without first making provisions for the evacuation, accommodation and welfare of its occupants.
NANS further claimed that some of the affected students had been hospitalised as a result of the trauma and hardship occasioned by the incident, alleging that there had been no coordinated response to address their medical and welfare needs.
The association therefore urged Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to direct the management of Legacy Hostel to refund all accommodation fees paid by the affected students, provide temporary accommodation or financial assistance, and ensure adequate medical care and welfare support for those affected.
It also called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, the prosecution of any culpable parties, and compensation for students who suffered losses and hardship.
In addition, NANS appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to intervene by providing emergency relief materials, temporary shelter, medical support and other humanitarian assistance pending a permanent resolution of the situation.
The association assured Nigerian students that it would continue to advocate for their welfare and pursue measures aimed at protecting their interests.
