Chisom Umejiaku
The management of Federal Polytechnic Bauchi has suspended academic activities indefinitely following a student protest over an armed robbery attack at one of the institution’s hostels.
The incident, which occurred on Monday night, involved suspected robbers storming the male hostel, injuring two students and carting away valuables including mobile phones and laptops.
The attack sparked a protest on Tuesday morning, with students blocking the campus entrance to demand improved security. The demonstration later escalated when unidentified individuals reportedly attempted to hijack the protest, prompting police to disperse the crowd with tear gas.
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Registrar Kasimu Salisu said the closure was necessary to protect lives and property, adding that students were instructed to vacate the campus within two hours.
Student Union President Haruna Umar described the robbery as unprecedented and called on the school management and security agencies to urgently address safety concerns within and around the institution.
The polytechnic will remain closed until further notice.