Tension erupted at Jasikan College of Education as students staged a demonstration to express their grievances against the college’s management.
The protest, which took place on August 15th, resulted in the alleged arrest and assault of their Student Representative Council (SRC) President, Freeman Zokah, and his vice-president.
The demonstration was fueled by various issues that the students felt were not being adequately addressed by the college’s management.
READ: Principal of Komenda College Hosts Special Dinner for Final-Year Students
One of the main concerns raised by the third-year students was the quality of meals served in the dining hall. They argued that the meals did not meet the expected standards and were not nutritionally balanced.
Additionally, the disconnection of electrical sockets in their halls of residence and other mistreatment by the college’s management were also cited as reasons for the protest.
According to student accounts, they had approached the management on multiple occasions to address these issues, but their concerns were allegedly ignored.
SEE ALSO: Our Sockets Are Disconnected, Phones Are Stolen, Yet Management is Quiet – Trainees at Jasikan CoE Allege
Frustrated by the lack of response, the students were called for a meeting by the management, which they hoped would provide a platform for dialogue and resolution.
However, instead of addressing their grievances, the students claim that they were met with threats and intimidation during the meeting, prompting some of them to walk out.
In response to the escalating situation, the college’s management called the police to intervene. The arrival of law enforcement officers further exacerbated the tension, leading to a clash between the police and the protesting students.
Amidst the chaos, the SRC President, Freeman Zokah, was reportedly arrested and physically assaulted by the police. Witnesses allege that Zokah was treated like a common criminal, which only served to worsen the situation.
ALSO READ: The meals remain unchanged despite the deduction in our allowances to PRINCOF – Trainees Lament
Students are now calling on the government and other stakeholders to intervene and ensure that their concerns are addressed. They argue that they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and that their educational experience should not be marred by such incidents.