Daura Literacy, Awareness Association Seeks Urgent Intervention To Save FUDMA’s Study Centres
By Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Daura Literacy & Awareness Association (DLAA), has expressed deep concern over the proposed closure and relocation of over 3,000 students from the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) study centres to the university’s main campus in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State.
This development has generated widespread anxiety among students, parents, guardians, and community stakeholders across Katsina State and neighbouring states.
The affected centres currently provide access to higher education for thousands of students who, due to financial, social, occupational, and family realities, may not be able to continue their studies if compelled to relocate.
While we acknowledge the importance of institutional regulations and administrative reforms, we strongly appeal to the relevant authorities to adopt a humane and transitional approach that protects the educational aspirations of already enrolled students even because of the daily insecurity reports coming from the area.
We therefore call on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the management of FUDMA, traditional leaders, elected representatives, civil society organisations, and all well-meaning Nigerians to urgently intervene and ensure that these study centres remain operational at least until all currently admitted students complete their programmes.
The immediate closure of these centres would have severe social and educational consequences. Many students enrolled in the affected centres come from low-income families struggling under difficult economic conditions. A large number may not afford the financial burden associated with relocation, transportation, accommodation, feeding, and other living expenses in Dutsin-Ma.
For many families, the current study centres represent the only realistic opportunity for their children to access university education. Particularly vulnerable are female students and married women who are pursuing higher education while fulfilling family responsibilities within their communities.
Many of them may be unable to relocate far away from their homes due to cultural, marital, childcare, and safety considerations. The closure of these centres could therefore abruptly terminate the academic journey of many women who have worked tirelessly to improve themselves through education.
Similarly, many male students enrolled in the centres are breadwinners who combine work, small businesses, farming, or other means of livelihood with their studies in order to sustain their families. Relocation to the main campus may force many of them to abandon either their source of income or their education entirely.
This would not only affect individual households but also deepen poverty and social vulnerability within our communities. Also, a significant number of primary school teachers rely on the accessibility and proximity of these study centres to pursue higher education while continuing to serve in their respective schools.
These teachers are able to upgrade their qualifications, enhance their professional competence, and contribute more effectively to the development of the education sector without disrupting teaching and learning activities in their communities. The closure or relocation of the centres would place many of them in a difficult position, potentially forcing them to abandon either their studies or their teaching responsibilities, thereby negatively affecting both their personal development and the broader educational system.
At a time when governments and development partners continue to advocate for wider access to education, inclusion, and community-based learning opportunities, shutting down these centres without allowing current students to complete their programmes would undermine progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Community-based study centres play a critical role in expanding access to tertiary education for underserved populations, especially women, working-class individuals, rural residents, and economically disadvantaged groups. Keeping these centres operational for existing students will demonstrate compassion, fairness, and commitment to educational inclusion.
Daura Literacy and Awareness Association therefore respectfully urges all stakeholders to prioritise the welfare and future of the affected students by allowing them to complete their academic programmes in the centres where they were duly admitted. Such an approach would preserve public confidence, prevent avoidable educational disruption, and promote social stability and avoid the almost inevitable bandit attacks which is almost happening in the area on a daily basis.
Education remains one of the strongest tools for community development, peacebuilding and economic empowerment. We believe that with constructive dialogue and sincere commitment from all parties, a balanced solution can be achieved without sacrificing the future of thousands of young Nigerians.
The 2027 elections are fast approaching and all these students are registered voters together with their family members.
Signed:Daura Literacy & Awareness Association (DLAA)
5th June, 2026
