Kebbi State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the College of Health Technology in Jega following a violent student demonstration.
The protest, which spiraled out of control, was sparked by grievances related to the institution’s lack of federal accreditation, inadequate facilities, and leadership complaints. The students, enraged by the ongoing issues, targeted the Provost, Alhaji Haruna Saidu-Sauwa burning down his house and vandalizing his car.
Commissioner for Higher Education, Isah Abubakar-Tunga, disclosed that the decision to close the college was taken to prevent further violence. “The students’ anger had reached a dangerous level. If not for the quick intervention of the Divisional Police Officer, the Provost would have been lynched,” he said. Abubakar-Tunga also credited Sarkin Jega (Chief of Jega) for helping to calm the situation.
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In response to the unrest, the government has tasked a committee with investigating the students’ grievances, which include the lack of federal recognition for courses, poor sanitary conditions, and a shortage of basic amenities like toilets and clean water. The commissioner also announced that students would be required to bring their parents and sign an undertaking before being allowed to resume after the school’s closure, which could last up to a month.
As investigations continue into both the allegations of extortion and the events leading up to the violent protests, there are growing calls for accountability within the college’s administration. The situation has raised significant concerns about ethical standards in educational governance in Kebbi State, prompting discussions about reforms necessary to prevent future unrest.
This incident not only highlights ongoing issues within Nigeria’s educational system but also underscores the urgent need for transparent communication between school administrations and their student bodies.
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