One of the greatest responsibilities of tertiary institutions is to provide a safe and conducive environment for their students to learn. However, recently, the Provost College, Kebbi, has been the scene of disturbing events that have prompted the authorities to take a drastic step.
Following a violent protest that culminated in the burning of the residence of the Provost of the college, Alhaji Haruna Saidu-Sauwa, the authorities have decided to close the institution indefinitely. The decision, taken by the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar-Tunga, is aimed at preventing an escalation of tensions and ensuring the safety of all members of the educational community.
According to Abubakar-Tunga, the students participating in the protest mainly targeted the Provost, burning his house and vandalizing his car. These acts of violence endangered the life of the Provost, who had to be taken to safety by the security forces. Without their prompt intervention, the situation could have turned into a tragedy.
The protesters’ grievances focused on concrete problems within the college, such as the lack of accreditation of some courses, the absence of toilets, drinking water, poor sanitation and poor governance. These legitimate concerns underline the need to improve the living and study conditions of students.
In order to resolve this crisis and restore calm, the government has asked students to nominate 10 representatives for a constructive dialogue. The college will remain closed for a period ranging from three weeks to one month, during which students will have to return home with their parents and sign a pledge promising responsible behavior.
This temporary closure is intended to ensure the safety of all and to allow the authorities to put in place corrective measures to address the students’ grievances. Education is a precious commodity that deserves to be protected, and it is essential that all stakeholders work together to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for all students at Provost College Kebbi to succeed.
In conclusion, it is imperative that authorities and students work together to find sustainable solutions to the issues raised, in order to ensure a better future for all. Education is a fundamental right, and it is essential to protect this legacy for future generations.