Sunday, June 28, 2026 - The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the displacement of students following the demolition of Legacy Hostel in Ifite, Awka, Anambra State, and called on the state government to take immediate steps to address the situation.
In a press release issued on Saturday, NANS President,
Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, expressed concern over the welfare of students who
were displaced after the 54-room hostel was demolished by the Anambra State
government.
According to the students’ body, the building reportedly
developed visible cracks and was on the verge of collapse before it was
demolished. NANS said the students, who had occupied the hostel for only four
months despite paying for a full year of accommodation, have remained homeless
for the past 10 days.
“Neither the hostel management nor the state government had
provided accommodation, financial assistance, or other forms of support to the
affected students since the demolition,” NANS stated.
It described the situation as inhumane, arguing that the
demolition should have been preceded by adequate arrangements for the safe
evacuation and welfare of the hostel occupants.
The association also expressed concern that the displaced
students had been exposed to security risks, including robbery, kidnapping and
other dangers.
“Several affected students had been hospitalised following
the incident, and no support had been provided for their medical treatment or
welfare.
“We called on the Anambra State Government, led by Governor
Charles Soludo, to direct the management of Legacy Hostel to refund all
accommodation fees paid by the affected students.
“We also urged the government to provide temporary
accommodation or financial assistance, assume responsibility for the medical
treatment of injured students, investigate the circumstances surrounding the
incident, and hold those found responsible accountable”, the statement read.
In addition, the association called for compensation and
welfare support for the affected students to cushion the losses and hardship
resulting from the demolition.
NANS also appealed to the National Emergency Management
Agency (NEMA) to provide emergency relief materials, temporary shelter, medical
support and other humanitarian assistance to the displaced students pending a
permanent solution.
The association reiterated its commitment to protecting the
welfare and interests of Nigerian students, assuring those affected that it
would continue to advocate for their rights.
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