LASUSTECH Students, NANS Meet Baale Over Death of Colleague, Housing, and Electricity Issues

Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) students, alongside the National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Council (NANS JCC), met with the Baale and other community leaders to address urgent concerns following the tragic death of a student, Emmanuel Nweke.

Nweke, a 100-level Industrial Mathematics student, lost his life after falling from a two-story building due to a damaged railing. The incident, which occurred in a residential building near the First Gate area, has sparked outrage over student safety and accommodation conditions.

In response, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) sealed off the site to prevent further risks, while the police arrested the landlord for investigation.

The university management, in an official statement, expressed condolences to Nweke’s family, the Department of Industrial Mathematics, and the entire student community. The statement urged students to remain calm and avoid any actions that could escalate into violence.

“Under no circumstances should students engage in confrontation. Your safety is our priority, and your parents want you alive,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Nweke’s family has taken his body back to their hometown for burial, deepening the somber mood on campus.

Student Leaders, NANS Demand Accountability

At the meeting with the Baale, the Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Council (NANS JCC), Lagos Axis, Comrade Abdulraheem Quadri, highlighted key student concerns, including the circumstances surrounding Emmanuel’s death, the persistent lack of electricity, rising rent costs, poor living conditions, and the need for greater accountability from landlords and agents.

Among the major concerns raised was the condition of the house where Emmanuel died. Student leaders demanded immediate safety measures for students still residing there, their relocation, and reimbursement of rent already paid.

Comrade Surakat introduced the student representatives, including the Vice Chairman of NANS JCC Lagos, Comrades Adams Kiakia, Edu Shafi'i (President, Department of the Mathematics and Statistics), David Gabriel (Chairman, LASUSTECH Students Consultative Assembly), Sodiq (Deputy Speaker, NULASS SPC), SSA to the Vice Chairman Comrade Anike, and Emergency Affairs Representative Femi-Adebanjo Gloria Jadesola.

Baale, Elders Express Condolences and Pledge Action

The Baale, Chief Adewu Olayiwola, alongside elders including Prince Mufutao, Princess Adeola, Prince Musiliu, and Chief Alhaji Obasuki, offered condolences to the students over Emmanuel’s death. He acknowledged the desperation for shelter among students and emphasized the need for better engagement between the school and the community.

The Baale commended the students for their peaceful conduct and announced ongoing discussions with the Community Development Association (CDA), inviting a student representative to join their meetings.

On electricity, he stated that the Deputy Governor was aware of the situation. Regarding housing, he claimed to have engaged with the school’s dean and assured students that landlords and agents would be held accountable. He also pledged to organize a meeting with them soon.

Calls for Fair Housing and Student Safety

Comrade Alimi, the immediate past NANS JCC Lagos Chairman, reinforced students’ frustrations over high rent, lack of electricity, and exploitation by housing agents. He revealed that discussions had previously been held with the Kabiyesi and the Vice-Chancellor regarding a student housing project, but there had been no updates.

Students also raised concerns over Agent Chukwudi, who allegedly facilitated Emmanuel’s accommodation, demanding further scrutiny of his role.

To address harassment, the Baale provided his personal contact number and that of the Olotu for students to report incidents. He also pledged to engage the Baale of Araromi to ensure better student protection.

Student Leaders Demand Immediate Action

Comrade Adams Kiakia, Vice Chairman of NANS JCC Lagos, called for the immediate closure of the house where Emmanuel died, a halt to continuous rent hikes by agents, and refunds for affected students. He also condemned landlords' exploitation of students and the extortion by street touts.

Comrade David Gabriel further emphasized the need for compensation for Emmanuel’s family and thanked the Baale and elders for listening to students’ concerns.

In his closing remarks, the Olotu apologized on behalf of the community for the unfortunate incident. The meeting ended with a closing prayer led by a prince.

Another engagement between students and the CDA is scheduled for Tuesday.

Baale Promises Further Investigation and Support

In an interview, Baale Adewu Olayiwola of Orija restated the community's shock over Emmanuel's passing.

"The community is still reeling from the shocking news of Emmanuel's passing. It was unexpected and has left everyone in a state of grief. As the leader, I've called for an emergency meeting with the joint CD chairman, secretary, and other stakeholders to discuss the way forward. We'll be investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and exploring ways to support Emmanuel's family," he said.

He assured that efforts were being made to set up a support system for Emmanuel’s family while community-led initiatives, including possible fundraising, were being considered.

To prevent similar tragedies in the future, the Baale proposed quarterly meetings with the school authority and a system where students could report housing concerns directly at the palace.

Regarding a memorial or tribute for Emmanuel, he stated that discussions were ongoing with representatives from the community and the school authority.