Students at the College of Health Sciences and Technology in Jega, Kebbi State, have set the residence of Provost Haruna Saidu-Sauwa on fire and vandalized his vehicle, following allegations of extortion by the college management.
The protest erupted over claims that the management extorted ₦23 million from students for index registration, particularly affecting 250 graduating students.
A source within the college revealed that the issue stemmed from a newly introduced public health programme, initially affiliated with Reproductive Health and the Public Health Association of Nigeria. The programme was merged with the Environmental Health Department to secure certification, leading to an additional demand of ₦65,000 per student for index registration, on top of the ₦30,000 already paid.
Accusing the management of extortion, the students resorted to violence, stoning vehicles and setting the provost’s residence ablaze. College staff reportedly fled the scene before security personnel arrived to control the situation.
Kebbi Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the incident and noted that more details would be provided once reports from the Divisional Police Officer in Jega are available.
The college, which is committed to producing skilled healthcare professionals, now faces scrutiny amid concerns about its ethical practices and financial transparency in the ongoing crisis.
