The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed deep sympathy and concern for those affected.
On Wednesday, Afeez Akinteye, President of the Senate at NANS, joined countless Nigerians in mourning the tragedy that has left many displaced and struggling.
Akinteye released a heartfelt statement to the Nigerian Tribune, extending the association’s condolences specifically to the students and staff of Mohamet Lawan College of Agriculture. This institution, like many others, has been hit hard by the floods, which have uprooted lives and disrupted educational pursuits.
“This unfortunate incident has disrupted not only the lives of residents but has also severely affected the educational aspirations of many young people,” the statement read. It underscored the vital role education plays in society and stressed the urgency with which this crisis must be addressed, particularly for students striving to reach their academic goals.
NANS has made a clarion call to the Federal Government of Nigeria, urging immediate intervention through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The association emphasizes the need for urgent support, including temporary shelters, food supplies, medical care, and psychosocial services, to help students and other victims cope with this adversity.
“Education is a fundamental pillar of our society, and any event that threatens the ability of students to learn and thrive must be addressed with urgency and compassion. Our thoughts are with all those who have been displaced, and we express our deepest sympathies to the students and their families during this difficult time,” the statement continued.
In addition to immediate relief, NANS advocates for a comprehensive long-term recovery plan to ensure affected students can resume their education without delay. They call for collaboration between the state government, NEMA, and humanitarian organizations to facilitate the provision of essential aid and restore normalcy.
“We also urge the state government and other relevant authorities to collaborate with NEMA and humanitarian organizations to facilitate the delivery of aid and relief materials to all those affected, particularly students. It is essential that all hands are on deck to restore normalcy and ensure that the impact of this crisis on students and the wider community is mitigated,” Akinteye added.
NANS reassures the students of Mohamet Lawan College of Agriculture and the broader Maiduguri community of its unwavering support, vowing to persist in advocating for their needs to be met by the relevant authorities. The association calls on all stakeholders to act swiftly and decisively to alleviate the suffering of the victims and safeguard the future of education in the region.