The University of Benin has taken decisive action following an attack on the Edo State Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate, Olumide Akpata at the University campus.
In a statement released on Monday by the university’s Registrar, Ademola Bobola, the indefinite suspension of the university’s Student Union Government was announced.
The suspension, effective from April 29, 2024, comes in response to the incident that occurred at the Faculty of Law and the University’s Senior Staff Club on April 12, 2024. According to the statement, the attack on the LP candidate was allegedly carried out by some students believed to be members of the student union.
Bobola’s statement reads, “After due consideration of the report by the management, the Vice Chancellor has approved the suspension of the university’s students’ union.”
He further added, “The suspension which is indefinite, takes immediate effect, that is, from Monday, April 29, 2024.”
As part of the suspension directive, all officers of the students’ union are required to hand over all union properties in their possession to the Dean, Students’ Affairs by 4pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
“In the interim, a Caretaker Committee composed of representatives of faculties, schools, and institutes has been approved to coordinate students’ activities during the period of suspension,” the statement continued.
The university community has been urged to comply with the directive, and former union officers are expected to adhere to the suspension accordingly.
