The President of the Senate of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Afeez Akinteye, has expressed profound condolences to the victims of recent floods that ravaged several areas of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
NANS is advocating for long-term solutions to this crisis, urging the Federal Government to implement a comprehensive plan that addresses the urgent needs of those displaced.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Akinteye conveyed the association’s heartfelt sympathies to the students and staff of the Mohamet Lawan College of Agriculture in Maiduguri, who were notably impacted by the flooding, displacing numerous residents within the community.
The devastating impact of the floods includes the disruption of lives, destruction of homes, and the displacement of thousands, which is particularly concerning for students pursuing their academic goals.
The statement emphasized, “This unfortunate incident has disrupted not only the lives of residents but has also severely affected the educational aspirations of many young people. 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.”
NANS extended its thoughts to those who have been displaced, offering deepest sympathies to the students and their families during this challenging time. The association is calling on the Federal Government to act swiftly through the National Emergency Management Agency to mobilize resources and provide essential assistance to the affected communities in Maiduguri, particularly for students of the Mohamet Lawan College of Agriculture.
The group emphasized the need for immediate support for displaced students to ensure their safety and the continuity of their education. They highlighted that temporary shelters, food, medical care, and psychosocial assistance are vital to help students cope during this difficult period.
Furthermore, NANS is pushing for long-term solutions to the crisis, urging the Federal Government to create a comprehensive plan that not only addresses the immediate needs of displaced students but also facilitates their swift return to academic activities. Education plays a critical role in national development, and it is essential to ensure that displaced students are not left behind due to circumstances beyond their control.
The students’ association called on the state government and relevant authorities to collaborate with NEMA and humanitarian organizations to expedite the delivery of aid and relief resources to those affected, especially students. It stressed that a collective effort is imperative to restore normalcy and mitigate the crisis’s impact on students and the broader community.
