The Kebbi State Government has announced the immediate closure of the College of Health Technology, Jega, following a violent demonstration by students.
According to the Commissioner for Higher Education, Isah Abubakar-Tunga, the decision to shut down the college was made to prevent further escalation of the situation.
The students’ protest was said to have sparked by various grievances, including the lack of accreditation for some courses, poor infrastructure, and dissatisfaction with the college management decrying the absence of basic amenities such as toilets, water, and proper sanitary conditions.
During the protest, the students targeted the Provost, setting his house ablaze and vandalizing his car with the Divisional Police Officer intervening , and rescuing the Provost from potential harm.
In an effort to address the students’ concerns, the Commissioner announced that a committee would be constituted to investigate the root causes of the riot and assess damages and the perpetrators be brought to book.
The college will remain closed for three to four weeks, and upon resumption, students will be required to provide an undertaking to be disciplined and responsible. Parents will also be required to accompany their children to school.
The closure and subsequent measures aims to restore order and ensure a conducive learning environment for students.
