The University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Edo State announced an indefinite suspension of academic activities on Thursday following a massive protest in the Institution over power outage and lack of water supply.
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Edo State announced an indefinite suspension of academic activities on Thursday.
In a statement by the university’s spokesperson, Benedicta Ehanire, the shutdown was attributed to the students’ refusal to compromise on their demands.
On Wednesday, students protested by blocking the busy Benin-Ore Highway due to weeks of power outages on campus.
With two weeks left until their first semester exams, the students claimed the power issue was hampering their preparation. They also demanded a reduction in the increased transport fares for the UNIBEN shuttle service, effective from July 1.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the power outage resulted from a dispute with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company over rising electricity bills, which soared from about N80 million to between N200 million and N280 million. The university resorted to using power generators and rationing electricity across campuses and hostels.
Despite heavy rain, the protesting students vowed to continue until their demands were met.
In a notice of closure provided to NAN, spokesperson Ehanire described the students’ demand for a 24-hour electricity supply as unrealistic.
“Due to the students’ insistence on demands for a 24-hour electricity supply and other issues, which the University Senate deemed unrealistic, the university has suspended academic activities indefinitely.
“Students must vacate the hostels immediately. However, non-teaching staff and those on essential duties are not affected by the shutdown,” said Ehanire.
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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, PREMIUM TIMES