LOCAL NEWS
SANNIQUELLIE – Academic activities at Nimba County University were brought to a standstill on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, after aggrieved students from the Engineering Department staged a protest over the non-delivery of essential field equipment they say they paid for months ago.
The protesting students, primarily from the Geo-Science and Engineering programs, locked several administrative and academic offices across the Sanniquellie campus, effectively disrupting normal operations.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Their action, they said, was driven by frustration over the university’s failure to provide personal protective equipment (PPE), including reflective vests, safety boots, and other materials required for engineering and mining fieldwork.
According to the students, these items are critical for their practical training and field trips, which form a core component of their academic curriculum.
Despite making payments and repeatedly engaging the administration on the matter, the students claim no tangible progress has been made.
“School will not open until our demands are met,” some of the aggrieved students declared as they enforced the shutdown, signaling their determination to sustain the protest until the situation is resolved.
The demonstration has halted lectures and administrative services, raising concerns about the academic calendar and the potential impact on students’ progress, particularly those nearing completion of their programs.
Authorities at the university have acknowledged the situation. The President of Nimba County University, Jesse Noah Mongrue, confirmed the incident but expressed reservations about media involvement, questioning whether journalists had been formally invited to cover the protest.
Despite the disruption, Dr. Mongrue assured reporters that the situation remains under control.
He indicated that he was en route to the campus to engage directly with the students and address their concerns.
The protest highlights ongoing challenges in resource provision within higher education institutions, particularly in specialized fields that require hands-on training and safety compliance.
Students argue that the lack of essential gear not only hampers their learning but also exposes them to significant risks during field exercises.
As of press time, there were no reports of violence, and it remains unclear how long the shutdown will persist. Stakeholders are now watching closely to see how the university administration will respond to the students’ demands and restore normalcy on campus.
