NANS Southwest Elects New Leadership, Issues Seven-Day Ultimatum Over Fee Hikes

The Southwest Zone D chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has elected a new set of leaders, with Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode emerging as Coordinator.

In a statement issued after the convention held in Ekiti State, the new leadership expressed appreciation to stakeholders, past executives, and students across the zone for their support in sustaining credible student unionism.

The association acknowledged the immediate past executive led by Comrade Owolewa Taiwo, describing the student movement as “a relay, not a rivalry.”

The newly elected executives also commended Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for hosting what they described as a peaceful and successful convention.

They further applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the establishment and continued funding of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that the scheme has disbursed over N161 billion in interest-free loans to more than 864,000 students across 263 public tertiary institutions as of December 2025.

The body urged the Federal Government to expand the scheme to cover students in private tertiary institutions and called on eligible students across the Southwest to take advantage of the opportunity.

Seven-Day Notice Over Tuition Hikes
Addressing pressing issues affecting students, the association raised concerns over arbitrary tuition fee increases and escalating accommodation costs in student communities.

The leadership issued a seven-day notice of engagement to managements of institutions that have implemented what it described as “unconscionable fee hikes” without due consultation with student bodies.

According to the statement, institutions are expected to open dialogue with their respective Student Union Governments within seven days from February 18, 2026, to review the increments.

The association warned that failure to engage constructively could lead to coordinated but peaceful action.