The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), North-East Zone, has raised the alarm over an acute shortage of potable water in some tertiary institutions across Gombe State, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to students’ health and academic activities.
The Zonal Coordinator of NANS North-East, Muazu Hina, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Gombe, describing the crisis as “unacceptable and dangerous.” He said students in the affected institutions are currently grappling with a severe lack of clean water, a situation worsened by an ongoing cankerworm infestation that has disrupted water sources and sanitation facilities.
“The crisis has been compounded by the ongoing cankerworm infestation, which has disrupted water sources and sanitation facilities, exposing students to health risks and undermining academic activities,” Hina said.
Hina stressed that access to clean water is a fundamental human right and a critical requirement for effective learning. He called on the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to intervene urgently by deploying solar-powered boreholes and sustainable water infrastructure to the affected institutions.
“Addressing water and electricity challenges in tertiary institutions aligns directly with the developmental and humanitarian mandate of the NEDC, particularly in rebuilding and strengthening social infrastructure in the North East,” he said.
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The NANS coordinator added that despite repeated appeals and engagements with the Commission, the water shortage persists. “Despite repeated appeals and engagements with the Commission, the situation remains unresolved,” he said, warning that urgent action is needed “to prevent further deterioration of students’ welfare and institutional stability.”
Hina reaffirmed the association’s commitment to peaceful advocacy, saying NANS North-East will continue to demand accountability and action in the interest of students and the future of education in the region.
The association also urged relevant government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, and concerned Nigerians to collaborate in addressing the crisis and ensuring a safe, healthy, and conducive learning environment for students in Gombe State and across the North-East.