UNIBEN suspends academic activities over burial

The management of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, has ordered the temporary suspension of academic activities at the Ugbowo campus of the institution over the host community’s burial of a vigilante chairman scheduled for Saturday. The institution disclosed this in a statement dated February 9, 2024, signed by Professor Clement Ighodaro, Dean of Students Affairs, on behalf of the management of the institution. In the statement by the institution titled “Notice to UNIBEN Students on Security Alerts in Ekosodin Community and its Environ,” Prof. Ighodaro said the vigilante chairman was killed some time ago at Ekosodin community. “The alert from the information gathered concerns the burial ceremony this weekend of the vigilante chairman murdered some time ago at Ekosodin. “Students are therefore advised to conclude all activities today, Friday 9th February by 6 pm and to return to their places of abode in the community and to stay indoors. “They are to remain indoors the next day, Saturday, until the events of the burial in the community are over and other citizens can move about freely. Students on campus are also advised to return to their respective hostels before nightfall during this period,” he said. He also informed members of the university community that the institution’s gate leading to Ekosodin will be closed at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday. When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, confirmed the statement. “The notice is from the university authority,” she said.

AAU suspends academic activities indefinitely

The Management of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo, has announced the indefinite suspension of academic activities with immediate effect. This is contained in a statement issued by the institution’s Head, Corporate Affairs, Otunba Mike Aladenika, and made available to the on Tuesday in Benin. Aladenika said the suspension of activities was announced in a memo signed by the school’s Acting Registrar, Mr Ambrose Odiase. “The suspension of academic activities became necessary following an emergency meeting of the university’s Senate in Ekpoma on Monday to appraise the continued protest by students running into days.  “In order to prevent a total breakdown of law and order as well as the need to guarantee the safety of lives and property in the university community and its environs, Senate was left with no other choice than to direct an immediate suspension of academic activities. “To this effect, all students residing in the hostels on campus are to vacate the halls of residence within the next 24 hours. “This is an indication that no student should be seen in or around the halls of residence of the University by 3.00 pm on Tuesday,” the statement said. Aladenika further said that the 40th Matriculation Ceremony of the university scheduled to be held on Tuesday, had also been put on hold indefinitely. Students of the university have been protesting against an alleged increase in school fees of returning students for about three days, thereby disrupting academic activities. The protest also led to the dissolution of the Students Union Government while the school management had severally denied increase in the tuition fees of returning students.