The University of Benin management has approved an indefinite suspension of the university’s Student Union Government.
Ademola Bobola, the University’s Registrar had in a statement released on Monday, declared that the suspension was not unconnected with the attack on the Edo State Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, by certain students alleged to be members of the student union.
The statement also added that the suspension was effective as from Monday, April 29, 2024.
The statement reads,
“The university management has received the report of the panel constituted to investigate the incidents that occurred 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 suspension which is indefinite, takes immediate effect, that is, from Monday, April 29, 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 4pm 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 period of suspension.
“The above directive of the Vice Chancellor is hereby communicated for the attention of the university community and compliance of the erstwhile union officers as appropriate.”
How Appropriate Is This Suspension?
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) indefinitely suspending its Student Union Government (SUG) following the reports of an attack on a political candidate raises serious concerns about the varsity’s commitment to upholding democratic values and protecting student rights.
While it is crucial to address any acts of violence or misconduct on campus, the decision to suspend the entire student union affects innocent students who were not involved in the incident.
This sole act risks stifling legitimate student advocacy and representation —the main proponents of a vibrant campus community.
Additionally, the lack of transparency regarding the investigation into the alleged attack raises questions over integrity of the disciplinary decision.
At the time of filing this report, no clear evidence has been presented to the public and since they didn’t afford the accused students due process, UNIBEN’s actions can be deemed to be oppressive and authoritarian.
More light has to be shed too, on the directive for student union officers to hand over all properties given to them by the school and the appointment of a caretaker committee to oversee students’ activities in the meantime.
UNIBEN’s management may have sought to address the issue of violence on campus but its response to the situation has been tyrannical and lacking in transparency.
