Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi is now a ghost town as students flee major locations within the institution.
The sudden holiday, enforced by the university’s management, follows a gruesome incident weeks ago where a final year Geology student, Joseph Agabaidu, was brutally murdered by unknown assailants.
WikkiTimes had earlier reported that the institution had to take the drastic step of shutting down after a violent protest erupted in response to Agabaidu’s tragic killing.
The 500-level student fell victim to suspected armed robbers who fatally stabbed him during an attempt to retrieve his girlfriend stolen handbag.
A 300L student from the Department of Civil Engineering, who asked not to be named, narrated to WikkiTimes the hardships faced by those unable to return home due to the prohibitive cost of transportation.
“The closure has left many students stranded, especially those who relied on the hostel for accommodation. Coming from Abuja myself, it was not an easy journey. I could only afford to pay half of my school fees, and now being forced out of the school is truly disheartening.”
Expressing a mix of regret and understanding, the student acknowledged, “It’s not entirely the institution’s fault; we, as students, played a part in escalating the protest. However, the closure has left us in a vulnerable position, with many lacking a place to stay.”
Another 300L student highlighted the profound setback caused by the closure, affecting academic progress for numerous students.
“This situation is disrupting my program, and I should be preparing for exams now. With most students already gone, it feels like starting from scratch,” he shared, his worries evident on his face.
As the university sits in an eerie silence, the unexpected holidays have not only emptied its corridors but also cast a shadow over the academic pursuits of those who call it home.
As reported by WikkiTimes, the Vice Chancellor, acting on behalf of the Senate, approved the shutdown from Monday, December 4, to Sunday, December 10, 2023.
All undergraduate students were directed to vacate the premises immediately, with strict compliance to be enforced by the university’s security personnel.
