The University of Benin’s management abruptly suspended academic activities on Thursday and instructed students to promptly leave their accommodations. This directive was communicated through a statement from the institution’s Public Relations officer, Benedicta Ehanire. The students had staged a protest the day before due to electricity rationing and other concerns. Their demonstration led to the blockage of the Benin-Ore highway, resulting in heavy traffic and significant difficulties for commuters.
Some students stated on Wednesday that they would remain on the highway until their demands were addressed. Nonetheless, the university’s Senate convened a meeting on Wednesday to engage with the students and find a resolution to the issue. They indicated that if discussions with the students were unsuccessful, the school would be closed.
In her statement, Ehanire mentioned that the management’s action was necessary due to the unrealistic demands of the students. The statement highlighted the students’ insistence on 24-hour electricity supply and other demands deemed unrealistic by the university’s Senate, leading to the indefinite shutdown of academic activities. Students were instructed to vacate the hostels immediately, while essential staff were exempt from the closure. The BEDC PLC disconnected the institution due to a bill exceeding N250 million, significantly higher than the previous N80 million payment, causing a blackout on campus and hardships for the students.
