NANS Raises Safety Concerns Over Condition Of Key South-West Roads
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has raised concerns over the safety of students and other road users travelling along the Owo–Benin, Akure–Owo and Ilesa roads, calling for sustained attention to federal road infrastructure across the South-West.
The association expressed its concerns following a nationwide inspection of federal road projects, during which its delegation assessed the three major routes serving Ondo State and other parts of the region.
NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, who led the delegation, said the roads were critical to students’ welfare, safety and access to education, given the large number of students who travel along the routes daily.
He specifically highlighted their importance to students of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and the University of Benin, noting that the condition of the roads had implications for their daily movements and overall safety.
According to him, the Ilesa Road also serves as an important route for students and other commuters travelling within the South-West, making its condition a significant factor in evaluating federal road infrastructure in the region.
Afeez explained that the nationwide inspection was part of the association’s efforts to monitor federal road projects, identify areas requiring improvement and promote accountability in infrastructure development.
He stressed that the responsibility of student leaders extended beyond demanding better roads to assessing ongoing projects, recognising commendable efforts and drawing attention to shortcomings where necessary.
The NANS president also acknowledged the Federal Government’s road development initiatives under President Bola Tinubu and the supervision of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, whom he described as an “Infrastructure Bulldozer”.
However, the association did not provide details of specific safety hazards observed during the inspection or identify sections of the three roads requiring immediate repairs.
NANS reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the government and called for greater accountability in the delivery of public infrastructure.
Afeez added that the inspection was intended to ensure that federal road projects met the needs of students and the wider public, particularly in terms of safety, accessibility and efficient transportation.
The association maintained that sustained monitoring of road projects and improved infrastructure delivery remained essential to protecting commuters and supporting students’ access to educational institutions.
