The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has raised concerns over the ongoing administrative crisis at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), urging the institution’s governing council and the Federal Ministry of Education to step in and ensure that students receive the welfare and quality education they deserve. This call follows reports of neglect and mismanagement that have severely impacted the well-being of students at the university.
In a statement signed by the NANS Senate President, Afeez Akinteye, the association condemned the poor treatment of students, particularly in regard to the university’s failure to address pressing issues affecting student welfare. These issues, which have been compounded by a series of administrative failures, have led to growing unrest among students.
NANS specifically highlighted the delay in fumigating the university’s 27 hostels, which was reportedly caused by the alleged misconduct of the institution’s Registrar, Dr. Mrs. Celine Nnebedum. According to reports, the pest infestations in the hostels—ranging from bedbugs to rats, mosquitoes, and even snakes—have posed significant health risks to students, with the fumigation process not beginning until January 2025.
Further investigation into the matter reveals that the Registrar’s actions may not have been limited to neglecting student welfare but also involved obstructing essential university projects. These actions, according to NANS, are seen as deliberate acts of sabotage that have disrupted the administration and development of the university, undermining the progress of student-centered initiatives.
In addition to the delay in fumigation, it was revealed that the Registrar had also attempted to impose an unjust financial penalty of nearly a quarter of a million naira on students for late file submissions. The penalty was only prevented through the timely intervention of the Acting Vice Chancellor. This move was criticized by NANS as another example of administrative overreach and exploitation of students.
While NANS expressed support for the decision of the UNN Governing Council to set up a committee to investigate these troubling developments, the student body also emphasized the importance of ensuring fairness and transparency in the inquiry. The association urged the Governing Council to protect the integrity of the university’s leadership and to take corrective measures if the investigation reveals any form of malfeasance or personal agenda undermining the institution’s progress.
As the controversy continues to unfold, NANS is calling for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the actions of the Registrar, stressing that swift action is necessary to prevent further harm to student welfare and the university’s growth. The association also demanded that all pending contract letters for approved projects be released immediately, and that safeguards be put in place to prevent future administrative sabotage.
“The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is a symbol of national pride, and we cannot allow its growth to be stunted by the actions of those who hold power at the expense of the students. We call on the Governing Council, the Federal Ministry of Education, and all relevant authorities to intervene swiftly and restore accountability at the university,” the statement concluded.
