ICYMI: Academic activities to resume in Kaduna poly after gunmen attack

The management of Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Kaduna state, has announced the reopening of the institution for academic activities from Monday.

The institution had suspended all academics activities after an invasion by gunmen last Thursday.

Two lecturers and eight students were abducted when gunmen attacked the school.

A student was also killed during the attack.

A statement by Mahmud Kwarbai, the school information and protocol officer, noted that measures have been taken to ensure the safety of lives and property.

“Sequel to the improvement of security situation and the measures taken by the State Government and the School Management to ensure the safety of lives and property in the Polytechnic, I am directed to inform all students and the Polytechnic Community that school will re-open on Monday, June 21, 2021,” he said.

“Therefore, all students are to resume for normal academic activities”.

Reacting to the news, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) of the institution expressed satisfaction over security measures adopted by the school management for the resumption.

Aliyu Kofa, ASUP branch chairman, said the strategies will provide a conducive atmosphere for learning and research activities.

The chairman noted that the school management is working with the army and the police to strengthen surveillance at the institution and its neighbouring communities.

He said the construction of a perimeter fence had already reached an advanced stage, adding that the fence is aimed at preventing bandits and other criminals from gaining unchecked access to the campus.

The chairman also said management maintains its earlier position that no student should live at the quarters of any staff at the school, adding that students should stay at the Gaskiya campus.

He added that the school management has also directed that no staff member or student should stay in the campus beyond 4pm, with the exception of some workers still residing within the premises.

“With this and other undisclosed security measures, ASUP is satisfied with the security arrangements made for students and its members to resume academic activities at the school,’’ he said.