Protesters want Plateau indigene to head NTA College, Jos

Protesters yesterday stormed the television college of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Jos, capital of Plateau State, and demanded that an indigene be appointed to head the college.

The protesters, who chanted slogans, accused the outgoing rector, Ms. Halima Bewell, of manipulating the process of succession to favour persons outside of the host state, alleging that she had approved a controversial transfer of five persons among whom was a likely successor.

Led by the leader of the National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS), Comrade Vilret Enoch John, and the NTA College chapter chairman, Comrade Makut Alfred Mashat, the peaceful protesters marched from the college’s gates to the Government House in Jos, and handed a protest letter for delivery to Governor Simon Lalong.

They requested the state government to intervene for due process to be followed in the appointment of a successor, and that the transfer already effected be reversed.

The Director General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Joseph Lengmang, who received the protesting students, assured that he would present their grievances to the governor.

It was difficult at press time to get official reaction from the college, as the protest saw all management members off the campus.