Professor Akporido Samuel, the former head of the Department of Chemical Sciences, collapsed and passed away in his office on Thursday. Dr. Kiliobas Sha’a, the former head of Biological Sciences, died early yesterday morning, coinciding with the death of Ibrahim Saleh Bali, a lecturer in the Department of Educational Foundation.
Reports indicate that while Prof. Samuel collapsed in his office, Dr. Sha’a succumbed to high blood pressure at home during the night, and Mr. Bali passed away at FMC Jalingo after a prolonged illness.
A family member revealed that Bali had to sell his possessions to cover his medical expenses before being taken back to his village by university officials, where he ultimately died.
Lecturers at the university expressed their apprehension regarding the circumstances surrounding their colleagues' deaths, highlighting the financial struggles they all face. They voiced concerns that similar fates could befall any of them due to shared economic hardships.
“Their deaths serve as a stark reminder of our own struggles within this institution, indicating that anyone here could be at risk given our financial difficulties. We urge the government and university administration to address our pressing needs, as we are enduring significant hardships,” stated one lecturer who preferred to remain anonymous.
Dr. Mbave Joshua, chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Taraba State University, echoed these sentiments, lamenting the inadequate financial support available to faculty members to cope with their challenges.
The Information Director at Taraba State University, Mallam Sanusi Sa’ad, was unavailable for comment regarding the reported deaths of the lecturers at the time this report was prepared.