By Charles Olewezi
Students of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, in Niger State, on Tuesday, shut the institution’s main gates in protest against what they described as persistent robbery attacks targeting students living off campus.
An eye witness account showed that the protest disrupted academic activities as students first blocked the Minna–Bida Road at about 8:00 am, leaving motorists stranded, before moving to the university’s main entrance.
The Vice-Chancellor’s attempt to address the protesters failed after the students asked him to leave the scene. University security personnel later created an access route for him after several hours.
A 200 Levels Computer Engineering student told our reporter that the protest prevented several senior officials, including deputy vice-chancellors, management members and academic staff, from entering the campus. Many eventually returned home after the students insisted that no one would be allowed in.
As a result, the planned computer aptitude semester test for 100- and 300-level students was also suspended because of the protest.
Investigation revealed that the demonstration was triggered by worsening insecurity after a fellow student was reportedly killed during a robbery attack three days earlier, while another attack on Monday night allegedly left several students injured.
“For the past one week, we have not had it comfortable with the rate of robbery attacks. We have continued to lose our valuables including our laptops and phones. Some of my colleagues were injured last night. Should we continue like this? We are not safe,” one of the students said.
He also alleged that repeated complaints to the university management had not resulted in adequate measures to protect students.
A student lamented that, “We pay a N10,000 security fee every academic session, despite the security challenges around off-campus hostels. What are they doing with the money?”
Responding to the incident, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Bashir Ganiyu, said the university was already working with the Niger State Police Command to strengthen security in areas where students reside.
“We are handling the situation. The off campus security is under the control of the police. We have vigilantes to assist the police. Even the Commissioner of Police is aware of our challenge and the matter will be addressed,” Ganiyu said.