Tourism institute shuts Kano campus over ‘possible attack by insurgents’

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has directed the immediate closure of Bagauda zonal campus in Kano over “possible attacks by insurgents”.

Naru Kangiwa, director-general of NIHOTOUR, gave the directive on Wednesday, in a statement by Ahmed Sule, the institute’s spokesperson.

In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed a spate of killings, kidnappings, and arson perpetrated by insurgents, bandits, and gunmen.

According to the statement, the directive became imperative in the wake of the closure of Government Technical College by the Kano state government, on Tuesday.

The NIHOTOUR boss noted that students and members of staff are expected to stay off the Bagauda campus, while those at the mini campus located around the civic centre road in Kano metropolis can continue with their academic activities.

Kangiwa said although it is the responsibility of the institute to protect the lives of its staff and students, the closure is necessary in view of the current security challenges.

“Following the directive of the Kano State Government to close Government Technical College, Bagauda, a close proximity to the NIHOTOUR zonal campus, on security ground, the closure of the campus becomes imperative,” the statement reads.

“This is in view of security reports that put the Bagauda axis on security danger list of possible attack by insurgents.

“However, the mini campus of the institute located at the Civic Centre Road in the Kano metropolis, where the IATA course programmes are offered, will remain operational.

“Therefore, staff and students of the mini campus are to go on with their normal academic activities unhindered.”