The University of Benin has taken a drastic step following a disturbing incident involving the assault of Edo State Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata. Effective immediately, the university’s Student Union Government faces an indefinite suspension.
The Registrar, Ademola Bobola, conveyed the decision on Monday, stating, “The suspension was in connection with the attack on the Edo State Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, by some students believed to be members of the student union.”
The suspension stems from incidents occurring on Friday, April 12, 2024, within the Faculty of Law and the University’s Senior Staff Club. A panel was promptly constituted to investigate the matter, leading to this consequential action.
Expressing the university’s stance, the statement released asserted, “After due consideration of the report by the management, the Vice Chancellor has approved the suspension of the university’s students’ union.”
Effective from Monday, April 29, 2024, the suspension mandates the handover of all union properties by the former officers. Bobola stated, “All officers of the students’ union are to hand over all properties of the union in their possession to the Dean, Students’ Affairs not later than 4pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.”
During the period of suspension, a Caretaker Committee will oversee students’ activities. This committee will comprise representatives from various faculties, schools, and institutes.
The decision has been communicated to the university community, with former union officers urged to comply appropriately. #Akpata
