SCHS CLOSURE: SOKAPU To Establish Tertiary Institutions

BY AMOS TAUNA, KADUNA – Irked by the untold hardship as a result of the indefinite closure of tertiary institutions in the area, the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), has commenced moves to establish community tertiary institutions.

This was contained in a communique issued on Tuesday at the end of SOKAPU’s summit which recorded an unprecedented gathering of critical key stakeholders from Southern Kaduna.

The stakeholders unanimously agreed that: “that there was no justification or rationale for the closure and continued closure of tertiary institutions since December 2016 in Southern Kaduna particularly against the backdrop of the fact that the government has given assurances that security has been restored.”

The communique, jointly signed by its President and National Secretary, Barr. Solomon K. Musa and Comrade Anto Ogah Amb respectively, stated; “In view of the trauma and losses caused to students and parents by the continued closure of the tertiary institutions and also by the disconcerting fact that Southern Kaduna has no alternative private institutions, it was settled that SOKAPU should make wide consultations and take all necessary steps to establish its own community institutions.

“The closure of tertiary institutions in Southern Kaduna from December 2016 till now, was examined and Summit could not find any justification or rationale for their continued closure in view of the fact that the government has given assurances that security has been restored.

“More so that Primary and Secondary Schools, government agencies, markets and other public institutions have been carrying out all activities peacefully and normally.”

SOKAPU therefore called on Kaduna State government to immediately re-open the closed institutions, except and unless it has some ulterior motives for their continued closure.

Commenting on the structure of traditional institutions, including the position of district heads, the SOKAPU Summit noted that the structures arose as result of the yearnings, desires and aspirations for the various communities and institutions for them to be constituted.

It states; “The traditional institutions became necessary in Kaduna State, taking into account the rich diversity and plurality of the State. Summit also noted their critical roles in bringing peace and stability to the entire State.

“The Summit noted that the major reason advanced by government’s rationalization or sacking of the district heads was paucity of funds for their remuneration. The sacking of the district heads was done with scant regard to the feelings of the people and without any form of consultation with the communities in Kaduna State.   

“The sacking of the district heads is retrogressive and not in sync with the yearnings and aspirations of the people. We call on the state government to reverse its decision.”

SOKAPU reaffirmed the readiness of the 53 community development associations of Southern Kaduna to take over the responsibility of the payment of emoluments and remunerations of all the district heads affected by the government’s action.

SOKAPU therefore described the directive/call on persons/individuals to apply or re-apply for the available position of district heads as negative, divisive, autocratic, unfathomable, and in bad faith.

According to the Union, it would be imprudent, improper and not in good taste for anyone to apply or re-apply for such positions which are and ought not to be vacant in the first place.