The National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Committee (NANS JCC), Lagos Axis, has raised concerns over increasing rent and electricity tariffs in student-dominated areas around Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu.
During the commissioning of the newly constructed First Gate to Lambo Lasunwon Road, NANS JCC Chairman, Comrade Alimi lekan, praised the road development but expressed concern over the unintended consequences it has had on housing affordability for students.
“We appreciate the new road, but it has caused a housing shortage, leading to skyrocketing rents that many students cannot afford,” Alimi said. He urged the government to intervene, noting that students risk being displaced from the area due to the high cost of accommodation.
Alimi condemned landlords who have taken advantage of the improved infrastructure to raise rents unjustifiably. He emphasized that it was Hon. Babajimi Benson, the representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency, who facilitated the road repairs, not the landlords. “Students should not be exploited for infrastructure developments they did not demand,” he added.
In addition to housing issues, the NANS JCC Chairman highlighted the burden of high electricity tariffs. While students benefit from being in Band A, which offers more stable electricity, Alimi noted that the costs were becoming unsustainable.
He called on the National Assembly to consider introducing vouchers or reduced rates for students to alleviate financial strain.
“We appreciate the reliable power supply, but the electricity costs are too high for students to bear. We urge the National Assembly to pass legislation that supports students with lower rates,” he added.
Responding to the concerns, Hon. Babajimi Benson acknowledged the challenges and revealed plans to address them. He announced initiatives to equip LASUSTECH and other host universities with solar-powered mini-grids to provide affordable, round-the-clock electricity.
Benson assured students that while they would still pay for electricity, the rates would be reduced by two-thirds of the current cost.
“Our goal is to provide reliable solar energy at significantly lower rates. We are also engaging with the Lagos electricity distribution company and landlords to find ways to make housing more affordable for students,” Benson stated.
Following the event, Comrade Alimi commended Hon. Benson for his commitment to student welfare and efforts to improve living conditions in Ikorodu. “Hon. Babajimi Benson’s leadership is commendable. He has done so much for Ikorodu, and we are grateful for his ongoing support of students,” Alimi concluded.
