By Mathins Owoseni

A mysterious illness has reportedly led to the deaths of five students at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, prompting appeals for the institution’s closure.

Students who spoke on condition of anonymity said the deaths began last week, with four students passing away under unclear circumstances.

“Today, another student reportedly fell ill overnight and died in the morning,” a source told Punch Online on Sunday.

Last week, officials from the World Health Organisation visited the university for a meningitis awareness campaign.

However, they did not confirm whether the first two deaths were linked to the disease.

When contacted, the university’s registrar, Maimaru Alhaji Tilli, confirmed the deaths of four students based on the institution’s records.

“Yes, four students have died according to our records, but the cause remains unknown.

“However, we recognise the urgent need to decongest student accommodations,” he stated.

Tilli further disclosed that he had formally written to the Ministry of Higher Education, particularly Commissioner Alhaji Isah Abubakar Tunga, seeking guidance on measures to curb further fatalities.

“In our letter, we requested permission to temporarily close the university, but we have yet to receive a response. As for the nature of the disease, we are still uncertain,” he added.

A student representative confirmed that the Students’ Union Government had also written to the university administration, urging them to shut down the institution due to the unexplained illness.

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