Rhapsodi Affos Blog Reporter 

The ongoing crisis in the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Department of Taraba State University (TSU) has once again been brought to public attention as concerned students raise serious allegations of mismanagement, financial exploitation, and academic setbacks.  

This latest development follows a petition submitted by the students to the Faculty of Science on March 10, in which they accused the department, particularly the Head of Department (HOD), of various irregularities affecting their academic progress.  

According to the students, despite the department securing two years of interim accreditation, no student has graduated in the past eight months, a situation they describe as unacceptable and damaging to their future prospects.  

The students further alleged that the department collected ₦132,000 from 987 students as indexing fees without issuing receipts or following agreements previously reached with student leaders. They noted that students from other universities pay significantly lower fees, ranging from ₦25,000 to ₦60,000, raising concerns about unjust financial practices.  

Additionally, some students who have spent 7–8 years in the program have been denied indexing on the grounds of their mode of admission and alleged O’level issues. Rather than providing a clear resolution, the HOD reportedly advised them to "keep praying" or visit the Association of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (AMLSCN)—a duty that, according to them, does not fall on individual students.  

Another issue highlighted was the collection of an extra ₦30,000 from the first 100 students who sat for their professional exams on 4th March, with instructions not to inform the school management if they wanted to graduate
 This, the students claimed, amounted to coercion and exploitation.  

Beyond financial concerns, the students also pointed out deep divisions within the department's staff. They alleged that only three lecturers dominate decision-making, sidelining other faculty members and creating a hostile learning environment.  

Furthermore, they criticized the department’s approach to graduation and indexing, stating it is based on the year of entrance and program completion but many students who has completed their program and even remain at home for 2-3 years were denied indexing.

Students' Demands for Urgent Action 

In their appeal to the university management, the affected students called for immediate intervention, urging authorities to:  

Investigate the allegations thoroughly and ensure accountability, Engage with AMLSCN to resolve indexing issues affecting students, Ensure fair and transparent indexing for all students, regardless of admission mode, Review and reform departmental policies to prevent further irregularities.  

Take disciplinary action against those responsible for mismanagement.  

The students emphasized that they will not remain silent in the face of these injustices and vowed to continue advocating for transparency and fairness within the department.  

Meanwhile, the Taraba State University management is yet to officially respond to these allegations. However, stakeholders in the education sector have called for a swift resolution to prevent further disruption to the students' academic journey.  

More updates to follow as the situation unfolds.