Management may shut UNIBEN over protests

The Senate of the institution after a meeting, described the students action as unfortunate and said that the institution will be shut if dialogue with the student fails

The Senate also expressed concerns over the blocking of the federal highway which caused hardship to vehicle owners, travellers and other commuters.

The Senate’s resolution, was contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Benedicta Ehanire on Wednesday evening.

The statement reads, “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 travellers and other commuters.

“In the meantime, some members of the decision making body have been mandated to continue with dialogue with the students on their unrealistic demand for 24 hours of electricity supply which they enjoyed before the University was disconnected by BEDC as a result of the disputed monthly bill of over N250 million slammed on the Institution by the electricity company.

“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 .

The Senate commended the Management for the several steps taken so far to ensure the comfort of the students even in the face of the harsh realities in the country.

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