The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has suspended its students’ union government indefinitely in the aftermath of a violent attack on Barrister Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party candidate for the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State.
This incident occurred on April 12, 2024, at the university’s senior staff club, where Akpata was invited for an interactive session.
Reports indicate that the students’ union president led a group of students to disrupt the event, alleging that they were not adequately informed about it.
Students’ behavior was described as unruly, leading to the rough handling of staff members, including a member of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), who was reportedly beaten severely and hospitalized.
In response to the incident, the university management launched an investigation, culminating in the indefinite suspension of the students’ union.
The suspension, effective immediately from Monday, April 29, 2024, requires all union officers to hand over union properties to the Dean of Students’ Affairs by 4:00 pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
During the suspension period, a caretaker committee composed of representatives from faculties, schools, and institutes will oversee students’ activities.
The University’s Registrar, A.A. Bobola, issued a statement announcing the suspension and urging compliance from the former union officers and the university community.
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