MINNA, Nigeria — Students of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, staged a protest over growing insecurity around the institution, allegedly preventing the Vice-Chancellor and several senior university officials from entering the campus.
The demonstration followed renewed complaints about frequent robbery attacks targeting students, with protesters accusing the university management of failing to adequately address the deteriorating security situation.
Witnesses said the Vice-Chancellor arrived at the university’s main gate in an attempt to speak with the protesting students, but they refused to allow him access and insisted he leave the area.
University security personnel reportedly spent several hours clearing a path before the Vice-Chancellor was eventually able to enter the campus.
Several members of the university’s management, including Deputy Vice-Chancellors, academic staff and other senior officials, were also denied entry. Many later left after students maintained the blockade.
The protest also disrupted scheduled academic activities, including computer-based aptitude tests for 100-level and 300-level students, which could not proceed as planned.
Students cite rising robbery attacks
The protesters said the demonstration was triggered by a series of violent robbery incidents that have left students fearful for their safety.
According to one student, who spoke anonymously, a fellow student was reportedly killed during a robbery attack a few days earlier, while another attack the previous night allegedly left several students injured and robbed of their belongings.
“For the past week, robbery attacks have become frequent. Students have continued to lose laptops, phones and other valuables. Some of our colleagues were injured during the latest attack. We no longer feel safe,” the student said.
The student alleged that repeated complaints to the university authorities had not resulted in sufficient measures to improve security.
Concerns over security levy
A university staff member, who also requested anonymity, said students were particularly frustrated because they pay a ₦10,000 security levy every academic session but believe security around off-campus student residences has not improved.
The staff member argued that stronger measures should have been taken to address security concerns in areas where many students live.
University says security efforts underway
Responding to the protest, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Bashir Ganiyu, said the university had been working with the Niger State Police Command to improve security around off-campus communities.
He explained that responsibility for off-campus security primarily rests with the police but noted that the university had also engaged local vigilante groups to support security operations.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police has been informed about the recent incidents and discussions are ongoing to strengthen security in affected areas.
University officials responsible for public information did not immediately comment on the protest, while the Niger State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement at the time of reporting.
The protest highlights growing concerns over student safety as universities across Nigeria continue to face challenges linked to criminal activities in communities surrounding their campuses.
FUT Minna Students Protest Insecurity, Allegedly Lock Vice-Chancellor Out of Campus
