Kebbi State, Nigeria – Students of the College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jega, Kebbi State (Kebbi College), have torched the residence of the college Provost, Alhaji Haruna Saidu-Sauwa, and vandalized his vehicle in a violent protest.
The unrest erupted over allegations of a N23 million extortion related to index registration fees.
The controversy stems from the college’s introduction of a Public Health programme, initially affiliated with Reproductive Health and the Public Health Association of Nigeria. According to sources, the programme was merged with the Environmental Health department to secure certification, leading to an additional demand of N65,000 from each student on top of the N30,000 they had already paid.
Accusing the college management of extortion, students responded by destroying property, throwing stones at vehicles, and setting the provost’s residence on fire. College staff reportedly fled the scene before security forces intervened.
Kebbi College Provost Denies Allegations
In response to the allegations, Provost Haruna Saidu-Sauwa dismissed the claims as baseless and fabricated. Addressing the press, he denied any involvement in an alleged extortion scheme or course duplication, calling the accusations a “figment of imagination.”
Saidu-Sauwa emphasized that all students were issued offer letters clearly outlining their course type and duration, questioning the rationale behind the students’ expectations of diploma qualifications when their admission letters stated otherwise. He also refuted claims that any external body had extorted students to the tune of N23 million, challenging those making the allegations to provide evidence.
“Our school operates a Treasury Single Account (TSA) where all payments are made, and no individual, myself included, has access to these funds,” Saidu-Sauwa clarified.
The provost further suggested that the protest was instigated by an anonymous source aiming to discredit the college. He criticized the media for publishing unverified claims, alleging bias in their reporting.
Police and Security Interventions
The Kebbi State Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the incident and stated that a full report would be provided following an investigation by the Divisional Police Officer in Jega.
Security forces have since restored order to the college, and no injuries were reported during the unrest. Authorities are working to identify those responsible for organizing the violent protest, which caused significant damage to college property, including the provost’s vehicle.
The crisis has raised concerns about the Kebbi college’s adherence to ethical standards as it aims to produce skilled healthcare professionals. Both students and staff have been urged to remain calm while the investigation continues.
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