While Alia may not live up to the perfect Governor image we initially painted, it might not entirely be his fault. He’s relatively new to the government, and many of these projects should have been handled by the former state governor who, as it seems, didn’t accomplish much.
In a dramatic turn of events, medical students from Benue State University have taken over the government house. Their grievances are weighty: alleged arbitrary withdrawal of their fellow classmates, severe water shortages, and overcrowded rooms where five students squeeze into spaces meant for just two.
Imenger Charles, the President of the medical students, highlighted these issues when he addressed Governor Hyacinth Alia. The governor, however, sent his Chief of Staff, Mr. Paul Biam, to engage with the protesting students and find a resolution.
Governor Alia pointed out his quick approval of their long-delayed bond scheme and accreditation, assuring the students of plans to initiate the construction of additional hostel facilities. Meanwhile, Prof. Joseph Iorapuu, the Vice Chancellor of Benue State University, stated that arrangements are underway for new hostel constructions.
This situation isn’t unique to Benue State University. Sadly, deplorable hostel conditions plague most federal universities across the country. It’s disheartening to witness where people’s children are forced to reside. In Nigeria, students are often hesitant to reveal such conditions, and in some instances, revealing them results in punitive measures, such as extending their academic terms.
But can we truly blame the universities themselves? The real culpability lies with the federal government, which has not adequately cared for these educational institutions. It’s a stark reality in Nigeria, and a distressing one at that.
