University of Benin Senate Warns of Potential Shutdown Amid Student Protests
The Senate of the University of Benin has issued a warning that the institution may be shut down if ongoing dialogue with protesting students fails. This resolution came after an emergency meeting held in response to the students’ early morning protest on Wednesday.
The students’ protest, which involved blocking a federal highway, was described as unfortunate by the Senate, which expressed concerns over the hardship caused to vehicle owners, travelers, and other commuters.
The Senate’s position was communicated through a statement released by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Benedicta Ehanire, on Wednesday evening.
The statement read, “The Senate of the University of Benin has held an emergency meeting, following the early morning protest by students of the University. While describing the students’ action as unfortunate, the Senate is particularly concerned with the trend whereby the students block the federal highway thus causing hardship to travelers and other commuters.”
In response to the students’ demands, the Senate noted that some members of the decision-making body have been mandated to continue dialogue with the students.
The students are demanding the restoration of 24-hour electricity supply, which they had before the university was disconnected by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) due to a disputed monthly bill exceeding N250 million.
The Senate also addressed the students’ other complaints about the high costs of food and transportation, stating that these issues are beyond the university’s control.
The statement further read, “Senate also described the two other complaints by the students about high costs of food and transportation as out of the university’s control.
Moreover, the Senate of the University resolved that if dialogue with the students fails and the protest persists, it will have no other option than to shut down the Institution.”
Despite the challenges, the Senate commended the university management for its efforts to ensure the students’ comfort amidst the country’s harsh economic realities.
