The Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) has ordered the suspension of the activities of the university’s press club, over a report titled “UDUS students face the wrath of poor drainage.”
The report, published on the club’s Facebook page, highlighted issues related to the poor drainage system in Zamfara Hostel, one of the university’s female hostels.
In a letter addressed to the editor-in-chief of Pen Press, the university’s Student Affairs Division cited concerns over “factual inaccuracies or misleading information” and “potential harm to the university’s reputation” as reasons for the suspension.
The letter, dated August 14 and signed by the administrative secretary of the student affairs division, Mahmud Muhammad Isah, directed Pen Press to cease all activities, including publication and interviews, until further notice.
The report, which has since been deleted, detailed the hardships faced by students due to the defective drainage in Zamfara Hostel, including health risks and discomfort, citing accounts from different students who reside in the hostel.
The hostel believed to be one of the largest female halls of residence in the university, housing over 500 occupants, has reportedly been plagued by poor drainage, particularly affecting the students living in Block A.
When contacted, the Dean of the Students’ Affairs Division, Umar Aliyu, claimed he was not aware of any suspension and questioned the accuracy of the report, stating that the pictures attached were of a verandah, not drainages.
He further mentioned that he had asked the reporter and editor to meet with him to discuss the issue.
The university’s move has sparked concerns over press freedom in Nigeria, with many Nigerians expressing their displeasure over the decision on social media.
The UDUS management’s action highlights the challenges faced by journalists, even within the institutions of learning where they are supposed to be well-groomed for their future tasks.
Press freedom is a crucial aspect of a democratic society, and any attempt to stifle it should be met with strong opposition. The government and relevant authorities must ensure that journalists can perform their duties without fear of harassment, threats, or arbitrary detention.
