Category: Campus Life

The circumstances of their death remain hazy, one week after the bloody protest. Three students of the Nasawara State University, Keffi (NSUK) died during a protest against water scarcity. Their colleagues and the army are arguing over who killed them. KAMALUDDEEN ABUBAKAR (200-Level Geography) reports.

IT was meant to be peaceful protest to draw attention to their plight, but it turned out bloody. Students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) took to the streets last Monday, protesting water shortage on their campus. As they were marching round town, the unexpected happened. Shots rang out from nowhere. There was pandemonium. By the time the dust settled, three students lay dead.

The dead were Emmanuel Buba, 300-Level Physics; Aminu Usman, 400-Level Geography and yet to be identified student.

Who fired the fatal shots? To the students, their colleagues were killed by a combined team of soldiers and riot policemen, who were deployed to disperse the protesters.

The army has since denied the allegation. There has been no comment from the police. NSUK Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mallam Jamilu Zakari said the management did not know how the troops got to the scene.

The protesters blocked the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga road, keeping motorists in the traffic for hours.

As early as 7am, the students had gathered at an off-campus location for the protest. The crowd moved to the highway, carrying placards, with inscriptions, such as: “No water, no road, no lecture”, “Management and government must provide water” and “Provide water or no lecture”.

The students complained that there had been no water for two weeks. Keffi residents depend on water from the Water Board. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the water shortage has become a recurring decimal in the city. Last October, the campus experienced water scarcity a few days before the second semester examination.

As the protesters rose in number, CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the Students’ Union Government (SUG) president Rabiu Tijani and an official of the Students’ Affairs Unit, popularly called Papa Aluta tried in vain to calm them.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof Shehu Rahman, and the Registrar, Alhaji Dalhatu Mamman, also intervened, pleading with the students to return to their hostels. They rejected the plea and proceeded to the highway.

About 30 minutes later, riot policemen and soldiers from Shittu Alao Barracks were reportedly drafted to the scene. They arrived in batches. They were said to be civil until it got to a point when the security agents ordered the protesters to leave the highway.

“We resisted the move to force us away from the highway. The soldiers started beating some of us and, in return, students pelted them with stones. We told the soldiers that our university is not located in their cantonment,” a student said.

Our correspondent learnt that the soldiers went wild, beating the students and shooting into the air. In the ensuing melee, Rabiu and Papa Aluta were attacked by the soldiers.

In the twinkle of an eye, three students lay dead, hit by bullets. Fourteen others were also injured. The injured were immediately taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi by officials of the Nigerian Red Cross.

An asthmatic 100-Level Chemistry student, Fatima Abubakar, who inhaled tear gas fumes, was also hospitalised.

Ishagye Yusuf Dauda, project co-ordinator of the Red Cross in NSUK, who was injured, said the death toll was three, adding that one of the dead students was taken to his home town in Taraba State without documentation.

When CAMPUSLIFE visited the school clinic, Fatima, Aaron Achanja, 400-Level English Education; Emmanuel Williams, 400-Level Business Administration, and Abdulmajid Abubakar, 100-Level Mass Communication, were being attended to.

About 11:45am, CAMPUSLIFE gathered, soldiers combed off-campus hostels in Angwan Lambu and High Court areas, flogging students with sticks and cables. Some students were also whisked away by security agents.

Bilkisu Liman, 500-Level Civil Law, who was injured on the arm and leg, said: “I was in my room having some rest, when the soldiers broke my door and pounced on me. You can see (pointing to her arm and leg) the injuries I sustained as a result.”

Rabiu said: “I was pacifying the protesting students when suddenly the soldiers came and started shooting. I pleaded with them to stop shooting but they pounced on me and started beating me. Even the Red Cross officials were not spared. Some of them were beaten up.”

Chibuzor Ihenekwu, a Biochemistry student, said he saw soldiers shooting at students. Laurat Abdullahi, 100-Level student, said: “Is it not our right to protest? Water is life and without it, we cannot continue with our academic works. To get water to cook and bathe is a problem and yet these people don’t want us to protest to let the world know our grievances. Government must account for the harm done to innocent students.”

When our correspondent visited the Federal Medical Centre, a doctor, who craved anonymity, said the late Aminu was hit by a bullet between his kidneys and liver. “During the medical operation to remove the bullet that pierced the deceased body, he gave up the ghost,” the doctor said.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, said it took the combined efforts of the Army’s 177 Guards Battalion troops with other security operatives to disperse the rampaging students.

Gen. Attahiru said: “On February 25, students of the Nasarawa State University came out en masse and barricaded the Keffiyeh-Akwanga Expressway, which is part of the 177 Guards Battalion patrol routes.

“This road was blocked with logs of wood and burning tyres, which hampered vehicular movement, leaving travellers stranded for hours. Vehicles were vandalised by the violent crowd.

“It was also reported that the irate crowd looted travellers’ belongings and threw stones, bottles and metal objects at the security operatives on the scene of the incident. However, it is believed that the protest was hijacked by some hoodlums and cult memos, who are students of the university.

“As a result, the violent crowd burnt down two vehicles at the police station located near the campus and seized a tanker loaded with fuel with the intention of burning down the station.

“The combined efforts of the 177 Guards Battalion troops with other security operatives prevented the hoodlums from carrying out this act. The violent action of the crowd led to three soldiers sustaining injuries, following the stones, bottles and metals thrown at them.”

The atmosphere was moody in Obi community in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State last Monday. Osoku compound, which is the late Aminu’s family house, was in mourning. The late student was described as a promising son of the family. He was buried in the family compound around 10pm last Monday.

The late Aminu was an orphan and the 12th in a family of 13. His mother died 10 months ago; his father died two months ago.

Isma’il Usman, his older brother, said: “Aminu was our father’s favourite because of his gentle and polite nature. He was deeply religious, hardworking and down to earth. The most unfortunate thing is the short interval between his death and that of our parents.

“Aminu always went to the grave of our parents to offer prayers for them on Fridays. I personally enrolled him in Government Science School (GSS), Lafia for his secondary education and I brought him back to Obi to complete his education and to take care of our father after the demise of our mother. He came out with good results when he sat for WASSCE. That shows he was brilliant.”

Asked about the possibility of the family taking legal action against the government, Isma’il said: “We believe Aminu’s death is an act of God. It was his time to die; legal action cannot bring him back to life. We can only pray for the repose of his soul.”

The deceased’s aunt, Hajiya Rabi Yahaya, who could not control tears, said: “Aminu could not even hurt an animal, let alone his fellow human being. His death is a tragedy to the family but as a Muslim, we take solace in the fact that God is the giver and taker of life.”

Aminu’s course mate and close friend, Mustapha Dalhatu Umar, described him as hardworking and a friend to all. He said: “I knew him since 2009 when we were admitted into remedial programme of the university. After the programme, we were admitted into the same department. Up till the moment he was killed, I never saw him quarrell with anyone. He even spoke against the protest in the mosque.”

Mallam Zakari told our correspondent that the university was only aware of the death of two students, adding that the management had contacted the bereaved families.

When students led by officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited the Nasarawa Government House to protest the killing, Deputy Governor Damishi Barau Luka, who spoke on behalf of Governor Tanko Almakura, denied that the government deployed the soldiers.

The NANS delegation condemned the students’ death and called on the government to bring the perpetrators to book.

The university remains shut.

Chiwendu Nwankwo is studying Biochemistry at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State. The 400-Level part-time student ekes out a living by driving a commercial cab on the campus. She told UCHE ANICHEBE (500-Level Law) that she is the butt of her colleagues’ jokes.

Can you tell us about your educational background?

I grew up in Asaba, where I still reside. And I love to do activities men do. I attended Asaba Girls’ Grammar School. I was the captain of the school’s female football team. Now, I am a student of Continuing Education Programme (CEP), which is known as part-time programme in UNIZIK. I am also the General Secretary of my departmental association.

Driving for commercial purpose is considered a man’s job. Why did you develop interest in it?

I like driving. When I was young, to the surprise of my family and neighbours, I would drive my parents’ car to far distances. I love to be different all the time by doing things, which people consider unsuitable for women.

At what point did you start driving a taxi?

It was when my aunt, who had financial challenge, needed money and converted her car to a cab. She needed a commercial driver that would drive the car and bring money every day. Out of pity, I took the car to school with the hope of getting a dependable driver for the purpose. Sadly, I discovered that no student was interested. After a few weeks, I started considering driving the car myself. The thought of being branded a taxi driver scared me at first. But one day, I told myself I could do it, being a part time student. That was when I resolved to become a taxi driver. I told my parents of the decision. Till today, they still don’t believe I drive a taxi. They believe it is a joke.

What were the challenges you faced when you decided to take to taxi driving?

I was advised against it. Most of my friends scoffed at the idea and refused to support me. Some even threatened to stop being friends with me if I remained adamant. They saw it as unbefitting for a young woman like me. Again, I feared the work would affect my academic performance adversely. However, I was motivated by the desire to fulfil my promise to my aunt, and to earn a living for myself.

So, when you began, how was the experience?

I started after I registered and painted the car in UNIZIK taxi colour. On the first day, I went to the bus stand and joined the queue with other drivers, most of whom were older men. They did not believe me. Some of them even mocked my intentions. Even students thought I was joking when I called for passengers into my taxi. That first day, it was difficult getting passengers, so I thought I could not go far in the business. A few days later, I enjoyed patronage from students, who were surprised a girl could be driving a commercial cab. Some took my pictures and uploaded on Facebook. Gradually, the business became encouraging and that was when it dawned on me that I had become a taxi driver.

Have you overcome the challenges of being a taxi driver?

As challenges are solved, new challenges come. My friends, who did not buy the idea, now encourage me. Even my lecturers and passengers praise my effort. I drive from 8am to 4pm. Most days, my car, being an aged one, would break down on the road, with passengers in it. This is where the other drivers come in. They have been helpful in such cases.

What values have you learnt from driving a taxi?

I have learnt about human relationship. To me, there is nothing like a male’s job or men’s profession. What matters is conviction that one can do what he or she desires and derives joy from it. I have come across women photographers, contractors, engineers and petty workers. I believe that there is dignity in labour and whatever anyone conceives; he or she can achieve, irrespective of gender. I am convinced that Nigeria will soon have a female president. I advise women to do what they have resolved to do. Good or bad, people will always laugh at them but they must never do anything to please people.

Barely a year after the Mubi massacre of more than 20 students of Federal Polytechnic, Mubi and other tertiary institutions in the town and the gruesome lynching of four undergraduates of University of Port Harcourt, we are at it again. This time it is the killing of four (we are not sure because of conflicting figures, some reports say two) students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State on February 25. The four Students were reportedly shot dead by security operatives during a demonstration that started within the vicinity of the institution but later spilled into the street. The students were protesting the lack of electricity and water supply which had made reading and continual stay in the institution a harrowing experience. The crisis later compelled the authorities to shut down the institution.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the Nasarawa State Police Command, Mr. Michael Ada, said two students died, while seven others received gunshot injuries. About 17 other students were arrested by security agents, including the institution’s President of the Students Union. The students of the institution were said to have blocked the Abuja/Keffi road in protest.

In a swift reaction, the police denied shooting the students, saying they only cleared the highway blocked by the protesting students. Ada, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, absolved the police of involvement in the killing of the students. He said any question relating to the incident should be directed to the Army. Hear him, “The policemen that went to the scene only cleared the expressway that was blocked by the students. Two students were killed and seven others were hospitalized for injuries sustained during the violent protest. Any question on the killing should be directed to the Army. They have their Public Relations Unit; the police were not involved in the shootings.”

In the buck passing that later ensued, the Army actually spoke for itself through the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen Ibrahim Attahiru who denied the claim of the Police that soldiers did the shooting. He said soldiers were not deployed for the purpose of stopping the protest in the university and could not have gone to the scene of the protest to shoot the said students, as there was no deployment. He explained that soldiers were on patrol duty during the demonstration at Keffi but did not have any altercation with the students whatsoever.

“What these people are writing is not correct”, says the Director, “soldiers were not deployed and couldn’t have carried out the shooting. Our men were on patrol duty at Keffi. The students, who were protesting, had blocked the road but soldiers did not have any altercation with them. There were the police and other security agencies that were on the ground to handle the situation”.

Now that both the Police and Army have denied firing the lethal shots the big question remains who killed these students? In its determination to get to the root of the matter, the House of Representatives mandated its Committees on Army, Security and Police Affairs to undertake a thorough investigation into the incident. In the same manner, other stakeholders, like the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) condemned the shooting. “We are shocked at this barbaric action by the university authorities”, said the organization through a statement, “especially deploying military officers to attack the unarmed students during their peaceful protest.”

Kingsley Chinda, a member of the house representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency of Rivers State, should be commended for raising the issue which was swiftly adopted without a debate. The House later observed a one-minute silence in honour of the dead students. We are eagerly awaiting the report because this is one unresolved killing too much.

Before the submission of the report I want to raise some salient issues from this unfortunate incident. What did the institution’s authority do to address the grievances of the students before it snowballed into a crisis? Who called in the Police and later the Army? Do those in university administration take courses in crisis communication and management? What communications channel did they deploy to assuage the students? Shouldn’t the university authorities have contacted the water board and PHCN to seek for some sort of preferential treatment?

The Police cannot just appear from nowhere and the Army couldn’t have been on “patrol” and happen to “stumble” on protesting students, somebody must have invited them. Since both of them have denied killing the students we must know who called them and what made that person do so.

I heard the Registrar of the university on African Independent Television (AIT) giving the authority’s position on the incident. According to him, the authority provided water tankers to supply water to the school following the inability of the public water supply to meet its obligations; he also said the scarcity has lasted for only one week. But two students who were later interviewed by the same reporter said the authorities were insensitive to their plight which has lasted for more than three weeks, this according to them, has taken a toll on their lean resources and the only way to get the attention of those in authority is to demonstrate – which to all intent and purposes is legitimate in a democracy, if its peaceful.

If one carries out a research it would not be out of place to discover that a large proportion of the students may have struggled to pay their school fees and the little they have left may have been set aside to maintain their 0-0-1. 1-0-1, or 0-1-1 meal time table. To now use part of this to buy water and perhaps fuel “community” generators to be able to read at night will be unthinkable to them. It is not a piece of cake to pass through the university system successfully in Nigeria of today. Our undergraduates deserve more than mowing them down like common criminals, these are the future leaders of this country.

On the issue of crisis communication and management, I want to believe that anybody in management worth his salt must take courses in this critical area of management because crisis can emanate from any angel, if they do not then at least they have a Public Relations/Student Affairs department that is supposed to serve as the bridge between students and authority. In this regard I believe the university authority failed in their responsibility to nib the crisis in the bud before it happened. Agreed, undergraduates by their nature are finicky and tempestuous, but a good manager will know how to handle them. If the Registrar is right in his assertion that the authorities provided water tanker, why would students’ protest if they have alternatives? Without holding brief for the students’ I’m compelled to believe their angle because more than one spoke.

What should a good crisis manager do in this regard? He must maintain connectivity with those he is managing, be readily accessible to and show empathy for the people involved. Unlike in the past, it is now relatively easy to reach people as there are now multiple channels of communication. Many of us have several phone numbers, more than one email address, and can receive SMS (text) messages. Instant Messenger programs, either public or proprietary, are also very popular for business and personal use. We can even send audio and video messages via email. Depending on how “techie” we choose to be, all of these type of communication — and more — may be received on or sent by a single device! This should’ve been done rather than releasing a statement expressing regrets over the “unfortunate incident”.

It is absolutely essential, pre-crisis, to establish notification systems that will allow you to rapidly reach your stakeholders using multiple modalities. Having passed through the university myself I know how challenging it can be for administrators, it should therefore be in their DNA to always anticipate crises so they have to be proactive in their approach and think out solutions before they happen.

For those institutions facing, or are likely to face such scenarios, I’d like them to ask the authorities of University of Lagos how they “pulled the strings” and are able to have between 16-18 hours of electricity and water supply daily (I am not holding brief for UNILAG authorities, I am only stating the obvious). This is where forward thinking and responsible management comes to play.

Unemployment is rising by the day, with many graduates roaming the street in search of jobs. How can this problem be tackled? This was the focus of a symposium held by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Afterschool Graduates Development Centre (AGDC), at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). GILBERT ALASA (400-Level Foreign Languages) reports.

Over the years, unemployment has risen to an alarming proportion. Today, many graduates are roaming the street in search of jobs. While official data states that Nigeria churns 4.5 million school leavers into the labour market annually, about 23 million Nigerian youths are said to be out of job.

But how can the nation make graduates employable and self-reliant? This was the thrust of discussion at a symposium held at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) by the Afterschool Graduates Development Centre (AGDC).

The forum, which was attended by over 1,000 students and graduates, took place at the Akin Deko Auditorium. Representatives of the Edo State government and Theophilus Danjuma Foundation were also in attendance.

The centre was formed in 2007 and accredited as a National Career Centre by the Federal Ministry of Education. Part of its objectives is to achieve national rebirth and social change through investments in employability and entrepreneurial capacity of the youths. Among its series of programmes are the Samsung Real Dreams, Goldman Sachs Spring Internship 2011, Workplace Intelligent Nigerian Graduates (WINGS), Corona i-Teach Graduate Teacher Training Programme and Lagos Ignite, which is organised in collaboration with the Lagos State government.

During the symposium, AGDC’s projects team leader, Mr Brian Oji, said a university degree was no longer a guarantee for success in the competitive labour market. He urged participants to acquire skills and relevant competencies that would make them outstanding. Oji took participants through the dynamics of feasibility studies, business presentations and how to succeed at job interviews.

He said there must be a relationship between what the school is impacting on students and the demands of employers. Oji added: “With that, you begin to get graduates who can do the shift from school to work and having all the skills required.”

The Internship Officer, Mr Godbless Otubure, said the programme was aimed at solving the challenge of youth unemployment and increasing the human competitive index of the Nigerian graduate. He spoke on personal branding for results and resume writing.

In his keynote lecture, the Principal Transformation Strategist of Olakunle Soriyan Company, Mr Olakunle Soriyan, harped on entrepreneurship, urging participants to train themselves in sellable vocations in order to be independent after graduation. He recalled his personal experience as an undergraduate, advising the students not to be wayward. He said he began to achieve success after he decided to drop his extravagant lifestyle as a youth.

Soriyan told participants to take charge of their lives, noting: “In life, what determines people’s future are the people they meet, happenings around them, places they are habiting and God. How one channels his behaviour and energy around these things determines how he will achieve success.”

Participants lamented the harsh business climate in the country. They called on government and corporate bodies to create a conducive business environment for young entrepreneurs. “Many of us have a knack for business but the environment is not friendly. So, it has been like a tug of war getting my business to the next level,” said a 500-Level Law student.

In her speech, Director-General of the Information and Communication unit in the Edo State Government House, Mrs Yemi Keri, urged the participants to avail themselves of the new technology, adding that no establishment would hire a graduate who is not computer-literate.

Participants, who spoke to our correspondent, praised the initiative. A 400-Level student of Foreign Languages said: “This seminar is coming at a time when everyone believes Nigerian graduates are unfit for employment. I have learned so much today and I want this programme to also be held in other campuses.”