Protesting students from the College of Health Sciences and Technology in Jega, Kebbi State, have set fire to the residence of the college Provost, Haruna Saidu-Sauwa.
During the unrest, the provost’s vehicle was also vandalised by the angry students.
The chaos was reportedly triggered by claims of extortion by the college management, demanding N23 million for index registration from students.
The allegations came after a newly introduced Public Health programme was merged with the Environmental Health department, requiring students to pay an additional N65,000, aside from the N30,000 already paid.
Accusing the college of extortion, students responded by stoning vehicles and setting the provost’s home on fire, The PUNCH reports
A source within the college linked the unrest to this additional financial demand, saying it caused frustration among students. Some college staff fled before security forces arrived to restore order.
Provost Haruna Saidu-Sauwa denied the allegations, calling them “fictitious, baseless, and mischievous.”
He refuted claims that he had convinced any body in Oyo State to extort N23 million from the students, adding that the accusations were based on misinformation.
“How can one expect a diploma when their admission letter reads certificate?” Saidu-Sauwa asked, stressing that every student’s course details were clearly stated in their offer letter. He challenged those making the accusations to present evidence to support their claims.
The provost emphasised that the school operated a Treasury Single Account where all payments were made, and no one, including himself, had access to those funds. He also accused the media of reporting unverified stories to satisfy certain “paymasters” attempting to undermine the college.
“We are thankful no one was harmed, and we are working with security personnel to identify the organisers of the protest, which damaged my personal vehicle and other college property,” he said. Saidu-Sauwa called on students and staff to remain calm while the investigation into the incident continued.
SP Nafiu Abubakar, Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi Police Command, confirmed that the situation had been brought under control and that more details would be shared once the Divisional Police Officer in Jega submits a report.
The college, known for producing skilled healthcare professionals, now faces questions regarding its ethical standards amidst this controversy.
