Kebbi State Government Shuts Down College of Health Sciences and Technology Amid Violence

By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi 

The Kebbi State Government has closed down the College of Health Technology in Jega following unrest by students. The Ministry for Higher Education made this decision in consultation with the Chairman of the college's Governing Board to prevent further disturbances and restore normalcy.

According to the Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar Tunga, the school will reopen after an intensive investigation to forestall recurrence. On Thursday evening, Tunga informed journalists in Birnin Kebbi that the students' unrest began when those pursuing two diploma programs refused to sit for exams scheduled for the next Tuesday. The students claimed that the courses had not been accredited, and they would receive Ordinary Diplomas instead of National Diplomas upon graduation.

The students also alleged that employers rejected certificates of students who graduated with OND, and those who secured appointments were later dismissed. This led to the students burning down the Provost's house and damaging his car. The DPO had to intervene to protect the Provost from being lynched by the students.

In addition to the accreditation issue, the students complained about subsidiary issues such as lack of water and electricity supply, and non-provision of toilet facilities. The Commissioner headed a team to Jega to assess the situation and decided to close the college for about a month.

Before the team's arrival, the traditional ruler of Jega, Sarkin Kabin Jega, had attempted to pacify the students, but they were uncooperative. The Commissioner tried to dialogue with the students but was met with rowdiness. A meeting was held with the traditional ruler, DPO, DSS, and Chairman Governing Board to address the situation.

The Commissioner warned that the college will remain shut, and upon reopening, every student will be required to sign a bond of good conduct with their father. Any further misbehavior will result in instant dismissal. A committee will be set up to investigate the incident, and those involved will face punishment according to the law.

Security operatives have taken over the school premises, and all students have been directed to vacate immediately. The students had breached the wall fencing the female students' hostel and threatened to harass any person remaining in that hostel.