UNIBEN Suspends Its Students Union Over Attack On Edo LP Gov. Candidate

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has suspended its Students’ Union indefinitely following an attack on the Edo State Labour Party governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, by students of the institution.

Akpata, who was participating in an interactive session organised by the University of Benin Staff Club, faced disruption and violence, leading to chaos within the school premises.

The students reportedly rough-handled several staff members, including an Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) member who was allegedly severely beaten.

The Edo State government has strongly condemned the violence during Olumide Akpata’s visit to UNIBEN two weeks ago.

In response to the incident, the University management announced the indefinite suspension of the Students’ Union, effective immediately.

All union officers were instructed to hand over union properties to the Dean of Students’ Affairs by a specified deadline.

Additionally, a Caretaker Committee comprising representatives from various faculties, schools, and institutes has been established to oversee students’ activities during the suspension period.

The decision to suspend the Students’ Union was made after careful consideration of a report by the university’s management.

In a statement released to the media on Tuesday, UniBen’s management stated:

The university management has received the panel report constituted to investigate the incidents in the Faculty of Law and the University’s Senior Staff Club on Friday, April 12, 2024. After due consideration of the report by the management, the Vice Chancellor has approved the suspension of the university’s students’ union.

The indefinite suspension takes immediate effect, that is, from Monday, April 29, 2024. Accordingly, all officers of the students’ union are to hand over all union properties to the Dean of Students’ Affairs no later than 4 pm 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 suspension period. The above directive of the Vice Chancellor is at this moment communicated for the attention of the university community and compliance of the erstwhile union officers as appropriate.

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