The Public Affairs Director of the Tamale Technical University (TaTU), Osman Mubarik, has described the violent turn of a student protest on campus as regrettable and unfortunate, stressing that the situation should never have escalated to such a level.
Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Mr Mubarik confirmed that calm had been restored after security intervened, but said management was deeply concerned about how the demonstration spiralled.
“It is regrettable and it’s unfortunate. We shouldn’t have gotten to this point,” he said. “We are just about to enter a crisis meeting in the next few minutes to decide on the way forward. But I have to indicate that this particular incident is regrettable.”
His remarks follow Tuesday’s violent protest at Tamale Technical University, where at least three students were injured during a demonstration over fee hikes and deteriorating campus conditions.
What began as a peaceful protest escalated into clashes with security personnel, leaving two students with head injuries and another with a leg injury. The injured were later taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Mr Mubarik acknowledged that student demonstrations are a legitimate means of expressing grievances but criticised the escalation, which prompted police action to restore order.
“Demonstrations are legitimate, but escalating them to this particular point is the source of confusion. We have had a series of protests in the university, but we have never gotten to this point where the police would have to crack down,” he explained.
This notwithstanding, he reassured students and the public that management is committed to dialogue and will intensify engagement with students to address their concerns.