Tamale Technical University students storm streets over neglect, fee misuse

Tamale Technical University (TaTU) on Tuesday, September 16, witnessed a student-led demonstration against what protesters described as years of poor infrastructure, inadequate sanitation, and a lack of transparency in the use of fees collected by the school.

The march, which began on campus and spread onto nearby streets, was organised by frustrated students who said their concerns had been ignored for far too long.

Speaking during the protest, the Students’ Representative Council’s Public Relations Officer, Mahamudu Musah, condemned the administration’s failure to show results from monies paid by students.

“We are hitting the street to demand accountability and developmental projects from management,” Musah declared.

“Over the years, students have paid their fees, and if you look at the fee structure, there is a component called the developmental levy. Students have paid this for years, but there hasn’t been a single project on this campus championed by management.”

Beyond infrastructure, students said conditions on campus had deteriorated to a dangerous level, particularly in relation to sanitation.

“Sanitation is a challenge that students face. Open defecation is at an alarming rate,” one protester explained.

“As we speak, there is no proper washroom for students, and now many are forced to use the bush. Sometimes, lecturers are compelled to close classes early because the stench from nearby washrooms is unbearable. Why must we go through this as a university?”

Although the demonstration was largely peaceful, eyewitnesses confirmed that tensions flared later in the day, leading to minor injuries. Three students were hurt, including two with head wounds and another with a leg injury.