The University of Benin (UNIBEN) management has indefinitely suspended the institution’s student union government.
In a letter distributed to the university community and shared with the press on Tuesday in Benin, the university’s registrar, Mr. Ademola Bobola, announced the suspension of the union.
The letter reads: “After due consideration of the report by the management, the Vice Chancellor has approved the suspension of the university’s Students Union.
“The suspension which is indefinite, takes immediate effect, that is, from Monday 29th April, 2024.
“Accordingly, all officers of the Students’ Union are to hand over all properties of the union in their possession to the Dean, Students’ Affairs, not later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
“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 directive of the Vice Chancellor is hereby communicated for the attention of the university community and compliance of the erstwhile union officers as appropriate,” Bobola said.
Reports state hat the suspension was related to an incident at the university’s Senior Staff Club on April 12.
During this event, members of the student union reportedly disrupted an interactive session between university staff and Olumide Akpata, the Edo State governorship candidate of the Labour Party.
The students allegedly acted disruptively and manhandled several staff members, including an Academic Staff of the Universities (ASUU) member, who was reportedly severely beaten.
Following this episode, the university management established a panel of inquiry to thoroughly investigate the incident and determine the underlying issues.