Staff and students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna in Niger State, have again staged a peaceful protest, this time calling for the immediate resignation of the Pro Chancellor and chairman of the FUT Minna Governing Council, Muhammed Santuraki, over his alleged taking sides with the State government to cede the Bosso campus landed assets.
According to them, the continual presence of the Pro Chancellor in the office, portends great danger for the institution’s survival and progress, rather than defending its existence and growth.
But, in a response, the Governing Council has promised to resolve all issues amicably.
ait.live reports that although the issue of land grabbing between the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and the Niger state government is being handled by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, the matter took another dimension on Tuesday morning as the students and lecturers took over the campus in a peaceful protest and stormed the venue of the Council meeting.
This time, they alleged that the Pro Chancellor, Muhammed Santuraki, has compromised his position by taking sides with the Niger State government to share parts of the Bosso campus, which the protesters say is unacceptable.
The protesters were addressed by the external members of the Council including, Timothy Ademola; representatives of the Education Minister; Elizabeth Emma-Egoro as well as the FUT Minna Alumni National President, Prof. Shola Gabriel who assured them that the Council will toe the path of law, truth and justice in handling the matter.
The protesting students and lecturers thereafter left the venue of the Council meeting after submitting their petition to the Education Minister’s representative.
They however warned that their education should not be politicised, with students and staff as well as stakeholders insisting that the institution’s assets must not be compromised.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
