“Students Riot at Kebbi College Over Extortion Allegations, Set Provost’s Residence Ablaze”

Students Riot at Kebbi College Over Allegations of Extortion, Set Provost’s Residence Ablaze

Angry students from the College of Health Sciences and Technology in Jega, Kebbi State, erupted in violence, setting fire to the residence of Provost Haruna Saidu-Sauwa amidst accusations of extorting N23 million in fees. The students also vandalized the provost’s vehicle during the chaotic protest.

The unrest stemmed from a controversial newly introduced public health program, which was merged with the Environmental Health Department to gain certification. This merger led to a demand for an additional N65,000 for index registration on top of the already paid N30,000, igniting accusations of extortion.

Sources from within the college revealed that students, feeling wronged, responded by stoning vehicles and attacking the provost’s home. Staff members fled the scene in fear before security forces arrived to restore order.

Provost Saidu-Sauwa vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as “fictitious, baseless, and mischievous.” He refuted claims that he had colluded with anyone in Oyo State to extort N23 million from students, stating that the accusations stemmed from misinformation.

“How can one expect a diploma when their admission letter reads certificate?” he questioned, emphasizing that the details of each student’s course were clearly outlined in their admission letters. He challenged those making accusations to provide concrete evidence to support their claims.

The provost highlighted that the college operated a Treasury Single Account for all payments, and no one, including himself, had direct access to those funds. He also criticized the media for reporting unverified information to please certain “paymasters” seeking to undermine the institution.

“We are thankful no one was harmed, and we are working with security personnel to identify the organizers of the protest, which caused damage to my personal vehicle and other college property,” Saidu-Sauwa added, urging students and staff to remain calm while an investigation is conducted.

Nafiu Abubakar, the Kebbi state police PRO, confirmed the incident, stating that the riot, which broke out around noon, has since been quelled. A police investigation is ongoing to uncover the root causes of the unrest.