Mohammed Akindele
As protests swept across Nigeria, university students nationwide faced severe disruptions to their academic pursuits. Institutions on the brink of resumption were forced to delay their opening dates, while others suspended ongoing academic calendars entirely to protect the safety of students and staff during these turbulent times.
Prominent universities, including Bayero University Kano (BUK), have halted academic activities, while the University of Maiduguri has postponed its resumption date indefinitely. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, which had recently reopened, now stands eerily quiet, a stark contrast to its usual bustling environment.
However, the unrest has left students like Muhammad Uthman, a student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, stranded. His journey back to campus, which requires passing through volatile regions from Kogi State to Sokoto, now seems too dangerous to undertake.
“I’m supposed to travel from Kogi to Sokoto, passing through places like Abuja, Kaduna, and Zamfara. Given the state of the country, it feels like an impossible task. I’ve heard of young boys being shot in Kaduna, and I can’t risk it,” Uthman lamented.
Uthman is not only concerned about his safety; the serious academic culture in his faculty also adds to his anxiety. With lectures already underway, he fears that his delayed return will leave him academically behind.
“My delayed return to school may negatively impact my academic performance, as lectures are now underway, and the lecturers responsible for our courses will not wait for anyone,” he expressed.
The Catalyst of Crisis
On his Inauguration Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidies with the declaration, “Fuel subsidy is gone,” to a crowd in Abuja. Initially, many Nigerians were optimistic, hoping for a positive shift in the country’s economic landscape. However, the decision has led to a series of challenges that have deeply affected the social and economic lives of many Nigerians, sparking widespread protests.
Unrest Forced Campus Shutdowns
Sufyan Dahiru, another student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, shares Muhammad’s fears. Living off-campus means daily commutes through areas often blocked by angry protesters.
“As a day student, I am deeply concerned about my safety during these protests. The protesters block roads, and the resulting clashes with the police create an unsafe environment for us,” Sufyan explained.
Despite his fears, Sufyan supports the protests. He believes they are the only way to make the government understand the struggles of the people.
“The removal of the fuel subsidy has made life incredibly difficult for everyone. As a student, I struggle to make ends meet. Everything is more expensive now, and it’s hard to manage with the little money I have,” Sufyan said. “I hope the government listens and reinstates the subsidy so we can return to our studies without the added stress of financial burdens.”
Abdullahi Aliyu, a 400-level law student from the University of Maiduguri, shared his experience with The News Digest Press. According to him, the situation in Maiduguri is far from peaceful. The university announced an indefinite postponement of resumption due to the unrest in Borno State.
“The management of the University of Maiduguri has postponed our resumption until further notice due to the security situation in the country, resulting from the ‘End Bad Government’ protest,” he explained.
“On the first day of the protest, there were violent clashes in several areas, leading to loss of life and property. The situation was terrifying,” Aliyu recalled. While he regrets the impact this will have on their academic calendar, he shares the frustrations driving the protests. “I hope the president reconsiders the fuel subsidy removal and finds a better way to implement it for the sake of all Nigerians.”
Government Must Address Causes of Unrest—Expert
In an interview with Dr. Ibrahim Magami from the Department of Biological Science at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, he attributed the current protests primarily to the surge in fuel prices, which has led to widespread economic hardship.
He suggested that reducing fuel prices, though difficult, could alleviate public suffering. To prevent future disruptions, Dr. Magami proposed several measures. “The government should implement social programs aimed at reducing poverty, improving education, and increasing access to healthcare. Investing in job creation, vocational training, and small business support, especially in rural areas, is crucial,” he said.
Noting the importance of combating corruption, he added, “Implementing and enforcing strict anti-corruption measures and holding public officials accountable for misconduct is essential.”
Dr. Magami also expressed concern about the potential academic dangers of ongoing protests. He warned that such demonstrations could lead to school closures, interrupting the academic calendar and causing students to miss classes.
“Even if schools manage to stay open, lectures are likely to be interrupted, reducing classroom effectiveness. The atmosphere of fear and anxiety generated by protests can significantly impact students’ concentration and overall well-being, hindering their academic performance,” Dr. Magami noted.
This is particularly true for students who come from faraway states like Lagos, Kwara, and Borno to attend Usmanu Danfodiyo University. “The protest can affect their ability to learn and create fear among their parents. This added stress can negatively affect their mental health and academic performance.”
Dr. Magami advocated for flexible deadlines for assignments and exams to accommodate students affected by the disruptions. He also suggested adjusting school calendars by implementing makeup days to compensate for lost instructional time.
