The management of the University of Benin has dismissed the institution Student Union Government (SUG) and also suspended its members over its plan to embark on a protest against the school authority.
This was disclosed in a statement released by the institution’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr Benedicta Ehanire, who said that a caretaker committee will be established to handle the union’s affairs.
According to Ehanire the decision was made following a proposed demonstration by the students’ union body against the school’s academic calendar change, the institution’s Senate decided to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“The union had engaged in subversive acts on a regular basis, including inciting other students to disobey lawful school authority orders.
“This is despite management’s concerted efforts, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Lilian Salami, to meet their basic needs, such as water and electricity, as well as other learning facilities.
“As a result, the union’s bank account has been frozen, and their secretariat has been locked.
“All members of the former executive must immediately hand over their student union identification cards to the university’s Chief Security Officer” she stated.
The SUG leaders were told to vacate the privileged hostel accommodations that have been accorded to them with immediate effect.
According to Ehanire the senate, on the other hand, congratulated the students for refusing to be drawn into unwarranted agitations by the students’ union executives,.
“The Senate wishes the students the best of luck in their upcoming exams and a relaxing break from April 1 to April 18, when they return to campus for the second semester,” she said.
Attempts to get a reaction from the suspended union’s president, Benjamin Egwu, were ineffective because he did not pick up or return calls made to him.
