UNIBEN reinstates mayor, mayoress of halls of residence after indefinite suspension

The management of the University of Benin, (UNIBEN), has reinstated the student representatives presiding over halls 5 and 6, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) hostels. The suspension followed an alleged protest by the students in the first semester of the 2018/2019 academic session.
 
The Guardian gathered from a source that the reinstatement was due to the intervention of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). This was after the suspended mayors and mayoresses were allegedly pressurised to sign an undertaking.
 
However, some students of the institution, particularly those in the main campus expressed their displeasure over the suspension.

According to one of the students, Joseph Ndu, “the suspension was uncalled for. The protest was peaceful and unnoticeable. And a lot of persons did not know about it.”
 
It was gathered that the students agitated for power and water supply, which at that time was not made available.

However, it was rumoured that the students demonstrated at the residence of the vice-chancellor at night, which disturbed the nocturnal activity of the VC.

This was confirmed by one of the students who wanted to remain anonymous.

In the private letter from one of the affected students, the Registrar, Mrs. Adefunke Oshodi had said, “ You will recall your alleged involvement in a case of unlawful protest and demonstration at an unholy hour.

“The vice-chancellor, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by section 17 (1) (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Edict No. 3 of 1975, and as amended by decree 20 of 1975, has directed that you be suspended from all academic activities forthwith until you appear before the Security Department for clearance.

Accordingly, you are hereby suspended from your Faculty and the University until you get clearance from the security department.”