Ondo Health Tech Students Protest Alleged Extortion, Poor Facilities –
On Monday, students from the Ondo State College of Health Technology, Akure, organized a protest to voice their grievances regarding alleged extortion and the poor condition of the institution’s infrastructure. The protest, which effectively halted academic activities, took place at the school’s main gate where students barricaded the entrance and set tires on fire while chanting solidarity songs.
The protesters highlighted what they called years of negligence and exploitation by the school authorities. They made it clear that lectures and examinations would not proceed until their concerns were addressed. Students brandished placards with messages addressing their issues, particularly focusing on the dilapidated state of classrooms, hostels, labs, and the unreliable water supply on campus.
During the protest, several students shared their frustrations with the media, accusing the school management of imposing “unjustifiable charges” despite the deteriorating conditions they faced. They expressed disappointment that previous appeals to the school authorities had gone unheard, leading them to resort to public demonstration as a means to advocate for necessary changes.
The students’ demands center around significant improvements to both the physical infrastructure of the college and the elimination of excessive fees that they feel are unfair given the conditions they endure. Their actions underscore a broader sentiment commonly felt across educational institutions in Nigeria, where students often grapple with inadequate facilities and rising costs amid stagnant or diminishing resources.
In essence, this protest reflects not only a reaction to their immediate environment but also a call for accountability and improvement within the education sector at large. The students are seeking a commitment from the management to enhance their academic and living conditions, ensuring a more conducive environment for learning and growth.
