Concerns have emerged among faculty members of Taraba State University (TSU) in Jalingo following the sudden deaths of three colleagues, including a professor, a PhD holder, and a lecturer, within a span of just 48 hours.
Gists9ja reports that the unexpected losses have cast a shadow over the academic community, raising alarms about the state of health and well-being of the staff, as well as the challenges they face in their working conditions.
On Thursday, Professor Akporido Samuel, the former head of the Department of Chemical Sciences, collapsed in his office and tragically passed away. The following day, Dr. Kiliobas Sha’a, the former head of the Department of Biological Sciences, succumbed to high blood pressure in the early hours of the morning at home. The third death occurred later that day, as Ibrahim Saleh Bali, a lecturer in the Department of Educational Foundations, passed away at the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo after a prolonged illness.
Sources quoted by Leadership revealed the circumstances of these deaths: Professor Samuel’s collapse occurred suddenly in his office, while Dr. Sha’a, who had been battling high blood pressure, died peacefully at home. Mr. Bali, who had been ill for an extended period, passed away after a long struggle, following a series of medical treatments.
A relative of Bali shared that, in his final days, the lecturer had been forced to sell his personal belongings to fund his medical care. Eventually, university officials arranged for him to be transported back to his village, where he ultimately passed away. This story has deeply resonated with his colleagues, many of whom are now grappling with concerns about their own health and financial security.
The deaths have prompted faculty members to reflect on their own circumstances, particularly the financial difficulties that many lecturers at TSU are experiencing. In an anonymous statement, one lecturer expressed deep apprehension, stating, “The recent deaths remind us of the precarious situation we are all facing. It’s a painful reminder that anyone of us could suffer from the same challenges, as we are all enduring similar financial hardships. We are urgently calling on both the university management and the government to address the issues we are grappling with, as our welfare is being severely neglected.”
The chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at TSU, Dr. Mbave Joshua, voiced similar concerns about the working conditions of the university’s teaching staff. He explained that lecturers at the institution are burdened by insufficient financial support, which is affecting their overall well-being. He pointed out that the lack of adequate funding and resources has placed immense strain on the staff, contributing to stress-related health issues.
At the time of reporting, the Director of Information at Taraba State University, Mallam Sanusi Sa’ad, was unavailable for comment on the deaths, as he did not respond to inquiries. His absence has left many faculty members feeling unsupported, further heightening the sense of frustration and anxiety among the staff.
The untimely deaths have ignited widespread discussions within the university community, with many lecturers demanding urgent action to improve their working conditions and provide better financial support. The tragic losses of Professor Samuel, Dr. Sha’a, and Mr. Bali have underscored the urgent need for reforms at Taraba State University, not only to address the immediate welfare concerns of the staff but also to ensure that similar tragedies do not befall others in the future. Faculty members are calling on the university authorities and the state government to take swift and meaningful steps to address the financial and health challenges faced by educators at the institution.
