The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West zone, has issued a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the Ministry of Power under Bayo Adelabu, citing the persistent electricity crisis across campuses in the six Southwestern states.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Coordinator of NANS, Southwest (Zone D), Adeyemo Josiah, lamented that students have endured prolonged darkness that has disrupted not only academic activities but also research, online learning, and daily routines.

“For several months, students across campuses in the six Southwestern states have endured prolonged darkness, a situation that has become particularly painful during critical academic periods such as examinations,” Josiah said.

He explained that hostels, libraries, and study centres have remained without power for extended periods, leaving students unable to study effectively or complete assignments on time.

“The situation has created frustration and anxiety among students who depend on electricity to study, conduct research, and complete assignments,” he added.

Beyond academics, NANS highlighted the safety risks posed by the blackout.

According to the students’ group, darkness on campuses often provides opportunities for criminal activities such as theft, armed robbery, and other security threats, leaving students and their belongings vulnerable.

“Darkness often creates opportunities for criminal activities such as theft and armed robbery, putting the lives and properties of students at risk,” the statement read.

The students expressed concern over the leadership and focus of the Ministry of Power. Since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, the minister was expected to aggressively address Nigeria’s longstanding electricity challenges, but NANS argued that the reality on the ground has been a continuous decline in power supply.