NAU Medical Students Bemoan Poor Roads, Power Outages, Exploitative Rentals
By Obianuju Azukaego
Students of the College of Health Sciences, Okofia, in Nnewi North Local Government Area, Anambra State have decried the deplorable condition of the roads leading to their campus from Nnewi.
The Students Affairs President, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Mr. Joseph Abarike, made this known during an interview with an Information Officer.
Mr. Abarike lamented the lack of steady power supply and the exploitative rental practices by landlords, noting that these challenges have subjected students to severe hardship.
He revealed that efforts by the student body to draw the attention of the member representing the area in the State House of Assembly have been unsuccessful.
He further said that the issues have been brought to the attention of the university management, Nnewi North Local Government authorities, and other relevant bodies, yet no meaningful solutions have been provided.
According to him students are currently grappling with poor and often inaccessible roads leading to the campus.
He noted that the roads were in a deplorable state, making transportation both expensive and risky, especially during the rainy season.
He added that school buses frequently break down due to the bad roads.
Mr. Abarike also decried the irregular electricity supply in Okofia, saying that power outages sometimes last up to a week. He explained that this situation severely affects students, particularly those in medical fields who rely heavily on electricity for studying and research.
In addition, he condemned the high cost of accommodation in the area. According to him, landlords charge between ₦450,000 and ₦800,000 for self-contained apartments, many of which are poorly maintained.
“In some cases, rents are charged per occupant rather than per apartment, further increasing the financial burden on students,” he added.
The student leader also raised concerns over the lack of an effective waste disposal system in Okofia, warning that the area is gradually turning into a dumpsite.
“This poses serious health and environmental risks to students and residents alike,” he said.
The students have therefore appealed to the Anambra State Government to urgently intervene and address these pressing issues in order to create a safer and more conducive learning environment for the students.
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