University Students Clash with Police

Tamale Technical University (TaTU) turned into a battlefield, as angry students clashed with police in a heated protest that left parts of the campus in chaos.

The heated demonstration on Tuesday, September 16, went beyond the grip of the university authorities, with videos circulating on social media showing students waving placards and chanting slogans, accused the university’s management of neglecting their welfare, misusing funds, and introducing unjustified fee increases.

What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly spiraled into violence, with tires set ablaze and stones flying as police fired warning shots and sprayed hot water to disperse the crowd.

“The police are shooting students!” one student shouted, their frustration boiling over as they pointed to a fellow student’s calf, swollen with injuries.

Placards read, “Director of Finance Must Go,” “Fix TaTU Now,” and “End Open Defecation on Campus.” Their grievances touched every corner of student life: poor sanitation despite sanitation fees, lack of medical services even though students pay for them, underdeveloped infrastructure despite development levies, and allegations of diverted examination funds.

The breaking point came after a meeting on Monday, September,15, between the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), the Fees Fixing Committee, and management ended without resolution.

On Tuesday morning, the protesters marched from their hostels to the administration block, demanding answers. But when the police intervened, tempers flared. Three students were injured, two with head wounds and another with a leg injury, while others ran for safety as black smoke from burning tires filled the air.

GRASAG President, Abdul Ganiwu Inusah, addressed the media with fiery words, accusing management of mismanaging Internally Generated Funds (IGF). He called for nothing less than a forensic audit of the university’s finances. He called on the Ministry of Education to commission an independent audit of TaTU’s IGF, including hostel revenues and student fee usage over the past five years, suggesting firms like KPMG should take up the task. Until then, he insisted, any planned fee increase must be suspended.

Beyond money, students demanded the immediate release of withheld certificates, the reopening of satellite campuses, and the establishment of a modern ICT lab to improve teaching and learning.

SRC Public Relations Officer, Mahamud Musah, also voiced his frustration, noting that the SRC remains financially handicapped due to withheld funds.

He appealing for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to rescue the institution from what he described as “persistent mismanagement.”

By the end of the day, the part of the campus was damage with charred tires on the ground, broken glass in some offices, and students nursing their wounds. The air of betrayal hung heavy. For some of the students, the protest was not just about fees; it was about dignity, accountability, and the future of their education.

As of now, the management of the school is yet to address the issue.