The Kebbi State Government, led by Governor Nasir Idris, has ordered the immediate closure of the College of Health Technology in Jega following a violent student protest. The unrest began when students, angered by alleged extortion, set the Provost’s residence on fire and damaged his vehicle.
The protest stemmed from claims that the college administration demanded ₦23 million for index registration fees from 250 graduating students. The issue arose after the launch of a new Public Health program, which was combined with the Department of Environmental Health to gain accreditation. This led to a demand for an additional ₦65,000 per student, on top of the ₦30,000 already paid.
Following the destruction, some staff fled for safety before the police intervened. In response, the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Isah Abubakar Tunga, announced the college’s closure to prevent further unrest. A committee will investigate the incident, and those responsible will be held accountable. The college is expected to remain closed for up to a month.
