The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has announced the indefinite suspension of its Students’ Union Government (SUG) following a violent incident at the university’s senior staff club on April 12, 2024.
The decision was disclosed by the university’s registrar, A.A. Bobola, in a statement issued on April 29, 2024.
The incident involved some students led by the Students’ Union president, who disrupted an interactive session between university staff and the Edo state governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Olumide Akpata.
The students demanded the cessation of the event, claiming they were not adequately informed about it.
The confrontation escalated, resulting in the rough-handling and severe injury of a member of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), who was subsequently hospitalized.
In response to the chaos, the university management formed a panel to thoroughly investigate the matter.
Following the preliminary findings, the decision to suspend the SUG was made to restore order and ensure the safety of all community members.
As part of the suspension, all union officers are required to relinquish any union properties in their possession to the Dean of Students’ Affairs by 4:00 PM on April 30, 2024.
During the suspension period, a caretaker committee consisting of faculty, school, and institute representatives will oversee student activities.
The university has called for the full cooperation of the affected union officers and the university community at large to comply with these directives as the investigation continues.
