Hundreds of students at Tamale Technical University (TaTU) took to the streets Tuesday in a rare public demonstration, citing deteriorating sanitation conditions and a persistent lack of infrastructure development on campus.
The protest, organized by the institution’s Students Representative Council (SRC), accused university management of long-standing neglect and failure to account for development levies collected as part of student fees. Despite years of contributions earmarked for capital improvements, students say the campus has seen little to no visible investment.
“We are demanding transparency and tangible results,” said Mahamudu Musah, Public Relations Officer for the SRC. “Every student pays a development levy as part of their tuition, but we have yet to see a single project undertaken by the administration.”
At the heart of the students’ grievances is a sanitation crisis they say has reached a tipping point. With nonfunctional or nonexistent washroom facilities, many students are reportedly resorting to open defecation, posing significant public health and safety risks.
“Conditions are appalling,” said one demonstrator, who declined to be named. “The stench from nearby restrooms forces lecturers to end classes early. Some students are using the bush because there are no alternatives. This is a university, not a refugee camp.”
Efforts to reach university officials for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
The protest marks a growing tension between students and the administration, with calls for accountability expected to intensify if immediate action is not taken.
