The National Association of Nigerian Students NANS has raised concerns over the safety of students and other commuters using 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 an inspection of the three routes in Ondo State and neighbouring areas as part of its nationwide Federal Roads Project Tour.

NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, who led the delegation, said the roads were important to thousands of students travelling daily to their respective institutions, making their condition a major concern for welfare, safety and access to education.

He identified the Federal University of Technology, Akure FUTA, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, and the University of Benin as institutions whose students rely on the affected routes.

Afeez also highlighted the importance of the Ilesa Road to students and other commuters travelling within the South-West, noting that the route formed part of the association’s broader assessment of federal road infrastructure.

He explained that the inspection was intended to evaluate ongoing federal road projects, identify areas requiring improvement and promote accountability in infrastructure delivery.

According to him, the association's responsibility extends beyond demanding better roads to independently assessing completed and ongoing projects, recognising satisfactory work and drawing attention to shortcomings.

The NANS president acknowledged the Federal Government’s infrastructure development efforts under President Bola Tinubu and the supervision of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

However, he stressed that continued monitoring was necessary to ensure that road projects adequately served students and other road users.

The association maintained that the condition of roads linking educational institutions directly affects students’ daily movement and their ability to access learning opportunities safely.

Afeez reaffirmed NANS's commitment to constructive engagement with the government and other relevant stakeholders, while maintaining accountability in the implementation of public infrastructure projects.

The nationwide inspection exercise is expected to continue across other parts of the country, with the association seeking to identify infrastructure gaps and make recommendations for improving road safety and accessibility.

NANS said its findings would contribute to efforts to ensure that federal roads better serve students, educational institutions and the wider public.