October 18, 2024
Adesakin Adefemi
In a shocking display of outrage, students at the College of Health Sciences and Technology in Jega, Kebbi State, have set the residence of Provost Haruna Saidu-Sauwa on fire and vandalized his vehicle. The violent protest erupted over allegations that the college management extorted N23 million from students regarding index registration for 250 graduating students.
The controversy began with a newly introduced public health program, initially affiliated with Reproductive Health and the Public Health Association of Nigeria. The college merged the program with the Environmental Health Department to secure certification, leading to a demand for an additional N65,000 from each student for index registration, on top of the N30,000 already paid.
Students accused the management of extortion, prompting them to stone vehicles and set the provost’s residence ablaze. College staff fled in fear before security personnel arrived. Kebbi Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, stated that further details will be provided once information from the Divisional Police Officer in Jega is available.
The incident raises concerns about the college’s commitment to ethical standards and its mission to produce skilled healthcare professionals. The college’s actions have sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the management’s motives.
According to sources, the students felt cheated and deceived by the sudden introduction of additional fees. The protest was a culmination of their frustration and sense of betrayal.
The college management’s decision to merge the public health program with the Environmental Health Department has been criticized as a ploy to exploit students financially. The certification process should not come at such a high cost, many argue.
As the investigation unfolds, the college community remains tense. The students’ actions, while violent, highlight the need for transparency and accountability in educational institutions.
The incident serves as a wake-up call for educational institutions to prioritize students’ interests and ensure fair practices. The consequences of such actions can be far-reaching, damaging the reputation of the institution and eroding trust between students and management.
