By Ken Afor
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to complete abandoned projects in certain tertiary institutions across the country, as they pose a security threat.
In a statement released on Friday by Mr. Akinteye Babatunde, President of the NANS Senate in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, he highlighted that these incomplete projects contribute to the infrastructural deficit in some institutions.
According to him, the affected institutions include Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTCH) in Okitipupa, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba (AAUA), Delta State University, Ambrose Ali University, Rivers State University, and Abia State University.
”These institutions have become hosts to pressing issues that demand the urgent attention of authorities and the public.
”These projects, which are expected to be completed within a reasonable timeframe, have been languishing in a state of abandonment, creating unintended consequences, with severe implications for students’ safety,” he said.
He further noted that the abandoned projects by the NDDC are frustrating the government’s efforts to contribute to the growth and development of the country in the education sector.
While calling on the commission to ensure the prompt completion of the projects, he emphasized that the safety and security of the students are paramount.
He added, “Buildings that should have been bustling centres of education and progress have become stagnant structures, serving as hideouts for criminals and posing significant security threats to the student community.
”What was initially a promise of development has now become a lingering issue, as these structures, intended to be completed within a year or a year and a half, have now stood uncompleted for an extended period.
”The lack of progress has allowed these buildings to become overgrown and inhabitable, creating an environment conducive for criminal activities.”
