Why the haste to transfer GTC from Wudil to Tiga?

From all indications, however, the decision was made in haste as adequate arrangements have not been made to provide an environment that is conducive for learning at the new site. In fact, the site is an old station used by Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA), which the government decided to convert into a […]

From all indications, however, the decision was made in haste as adequate arrangements have not been made to provide an environment that is conducive for learning at the new site. In fact, the site is an old station used by Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA), which the government decided to convert into a school.
It was gathered that the conversion work stopped before completion because no more money was paid to the contractor. In spite of this however, at the beginning of the second term in January this year staff and students of the college were asked to move from Wudil to Tiga. Naturally, on arrival both of them encountered all sorts of problems.
A student of the college in my neighbourhood related some pathetic stories which I thought I should share publicly in case the authorities concerned are not aware of the situation. I must also add that I made some enquires in the appropriate quarters to verify the stories. In the process, I even got more information. For instance, the school lacks sufficient dormitories and teachers, adequate water supply, and has no source of light at all. As no staff quarters have been built the principal and teachers do not live on-campus with the students.
Actually, only a few academic and non-academic staff found accommodation outside the campus in Tiga. Some teachers who live elsewhere play truant as they find it difficult to travel from Kano, etc, to the school on daily basis and leave before closing time when they do come. As a result, not much academic work is being done and the students for most of the time are idle.
At the beginning of the term in January, due to insufficient dormitories only JSS3 and SSS3 students were asked to resume while the rest remained at home for about two months. And when they were finally allowed to return they were accommodated in the dining hall where they sleep on mere mattresses as only a few students have beds. Unprepared for the extra mouths, feeding also became a problem.
Because of insufficient or non-supply of water and the students have to wash their uniforms on weekends, it became necessary for them to buy bags of “pure water” for washing and drinking. With no electricity supply at the site and no generator provided, the students have to use personal touch lights. Because of the unbearable situation in the school many students are reluctant to return after the recent break for the general elections.
In view of this, I wish to call on the authorities concerned to please rectify these problems as soon as possible. No teaching and learning can take place successfully (particularly in a technical college) without adequate provision of teachers, all the necessary infrastructure, instructional materials, sports and recreational facilities, and, of course, security. These are the all-important factors that provide a suitable atmosphere for students to learn anywhere in the world.
Sabo Iliyasu Garko, Tal’udu, Sabon-Titi, Kano <[email protected]>;