By John Dike, Osogbo
Students under the banner of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) have staged a large-scale protest in Osogbo to express their frustration over the worsening electricity crisis affecting campuses and student life across Nigeria.
Addressing journalists during the demonstration, Comrade Josiah Adeyemo, NANS Southwest Zone D Coordinator, said the protest was a response to repeated government inaction on the matter. “We are here today to register our voices and express our displeasure with the current electricity situation nationwide.
In the past, we have addressed this issue in several press conferences, explaining the difficulties students face on our campuses and in society due to inconsistent electricity supply,” he said.
Adeyemo emphasized that students cannot thrive in darkness. “Electricity is one of the most basic needs that students require to carry out their academic activities successfully. Yet, despite our repeated appeals, neither the Federal Ministry of Power nor other concerned government parastatals have taken any meaningful action.
Today, we take our concerns to the streets not just for ourselves, but for the benefit of society and Nigeria as a whole,” he stressed.
The student leader clarified that the protest is not anti-government. “This demonstration comes after a series of consultations and consolidations among student leaders. We decided it was time to take our voices to the streets.
“While we recognize the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in ensuring peaceful campuses and supporting initiatives that benefit students, we must insist that basic amenities like electricity cannot be sidelined,” Adeyemo said.
He further warned that the current protest is only a preamble. “We plead with the government to address this issue immediately. If our concerns continue to be ignored, we will be forced to organize mass protests.
Osogbo is not the headquarters of IBEDC; we know exactly where to go for a larger impact. Our voices will be heard, and we will not step down until our demands are addressed,” he said.
The students also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in electricity tariffs, particularly for Band A, B, and C users.
Adeyemo urged Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu to engage with student representatives directly. “It is the minister’s responsibility to ensure stable electricity nationwide.
“We have written letters to him and are awaiting a response. If he fails to act, we will escalate our protest and appeal directly to the President and other government agencies,” he said.
Speaking at the protest, Comrade Ogunsola Adewale, Southwest Coordinator of NAPS, highlighted the hardships students face due to inconsistent power supply.
“It is quite unfortunate that many students across the country live in darkness while those in leadership enjoy access to good facilities, stable electricity, and essential amenities that guarantee a comfortable life.
Many students have lost valuable properties to theft caused by epileptic power supply. While some can afford alternative sources such as solar energy or generators, the majority cannot,”.
Adewale also noted the generational disparity in access to education and facilities. “Many of those currently in power benefited from free and accessible education. Today, students and their parents struggle to access education. It is unacceptable that basic amenities necessary for learning are not prioritized,” he stressed.
The student leaders called on the Federal Government and President Bola Tinubu to take urgent, decisive action to ensure stable electricity supply and prevent further disruption to academic programmes nationwide.
“We want to believe the government is student-friendly. We hope they have heard us and will engage with us meaningfully. If not, the students of Nigeria will not hesitate to mobilize again until our voices are heard,” Adeyemo concluded.
The protest in Osogbo is expected to be followed by coordinated demonstrations across other major cities in Nigeria if the electricity challenges persist. The students have made it clear that their agitation is peaceful, organized, and aimed at ensuring that education and student welfare remain a national priority.
