By Jeffrey Agbo
Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tanbuwal has said he will consider reopening Shehu Shagari College of Education (SSCOE) following the May 12 lynching of a student Deborah Samuel.
Ms Samuel was killed by a mob on campus for alleged blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad.
The committee set up by the state government to investigate the incident submitted its report to Tambuwal recently.
Tambuwal, after receiving the report and noted the recommendations, as well heard from various stakeholders and leaders on the need to reopen the college, said his administration will look into the possibility of doing so.
The governor also directed the Governing Council of the College to convene a meeting with a view to reopening the school soonest, while assuring the people that the government will implement the recommendations of the committee. He said doing so will prevent a recurrence, not only in affected college, but in all tertiary institutions in the state.
Tambuwal’s spokesman, Muhammad Bello, in a statement also appealed to the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to find a common ground towards ending the prolonged strike.
“No issues are beyond resolution. We must, in the interest of our children and our country, find a common ground. There is give and take in negotiations, hence ASUU and the Federal Government should shift positions and accommodate each other so that students can return to school,” the statement said.