The students’ union government at the University of Benin, UNIBEN, has been suspended indefinitely by the institution’s management in response to the violent incident involving Barrister Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party candidate for the Edo State governorship election on September 21, 2024.
Reports indicate that Akpata was assaulted by alleged political thugs at the university’s senior staff club on April 12, 2024.
According to sources, Akpata had been invited for an interactive session by the university’s senior staff club.
During the incident, the students’ union president purportedly led a group of students in disrupting the event.
Witnesses claim the students objected to the event, stating they were not adequately informed about it.
Allegedly, the students caused a commotion at the venue, resulting in the rough treatment of several staff members, including an Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) member who was severely assaulted and hospitalized.
In response, the university initiated an investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident.
After the inquiry, the Registrar of the University, A.A. Bobola, announced the indefinite suspension of the students’ union in a statement issued on Monday, April 29, 2024.
The statement conveyed the following:
“Following a thorough review of the investigation report, the Vice Chancellor has sanctioned the suspension of the University’s Students Union.
“The suspension, effective immediately from Monday, April 29, 2024, is without a specified duration.
“Consequently, all members of the Students’ Union are required to transfer all union properties in their possession to the Dean, Students’ Affairs by 4.00 pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
“During the suspension period, a temporary committee comprising representatives from faculties, schools, and institutes will oversee student activities.
“The Vice Chancellor’s directive is hereby issued for observance by the University community and adherence by the former union officials.”