The students of the National Film Institute (NFI), Jos, have rejected the shutting down of the school by its management for 60 days.

Aduma Agoji, president of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the institute, who stated this in a statement on Wednesday in Jos, said the move will extend the semester.

The management of the NFC issued a statement on October 6 announcing its decision to shut the school to forestall any threat to the existing peace in Plateau by its students.

Mr Agoji said the decision to shut down the school was rather hasty, adding that the allegations levelled against them by the management were entirely false.

The president explained that the students only demanded improved facilities that would enhance the institute’s teaching and learning quality.

”The students of NFI, Jos, reject in the strongest terms this hasty and unwarranted decision by the management of NFC to shut down our revered institution.

”We were bewildered by the decision of management to close down the school, and we are compelled to ask if it is wrong for students to demand a conducive academic environment for learning,” Mr Agoji stated.

The president said the institution’s management has been deaf to its pleas for improved student facilities for years.

“For the record, our demands included the repair of school toilets, the provision of water facilities, and a constant supply of the same.

“Others are the establishment of a functional ICT centre, issuance of school ID cards, ensuring electricity in classes, and setting up a standard cinema for student film screenings, among others.

”All these demands and concerns have remained unaddressed to date, and so it is disappointing that, in spite of our nonviolent approach, the management chose to label us as a threat to peace,” he said.

Mr Agoji called on the management to rescind its decision and reopen the school to enable students to continue their academic activities.

(NAN)