Students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has forced the school
management to suspend all academic activities indefinitely and directed
all students to vacate the campus with immediate effect.
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, and its Joint
Campus Committee affiliate had protested at the gate of the institution
over the supposedly unjust rustication of some members of the students’
union.
The students were rusticated for protesting in April over poor electricity and water supply in the institution.
In a statement signed by the University management, all students
have been asked to vacate the hostels as no one should remain in the
school after 10am on Friday.
The statement reads in part:
“The Senate of the University of Lagos at an emergency meeting
held on Thursday, 7th April, 2016, considered the situation on campus
occasioned by the ongoing agitation of the student body over poor
electricity and water supply in the community, and the difficulty faced
by large number of students living off campus to attend classes as a
result of the fuel crisis… However, in order to forestall further
breakdown of Law and order on campus… All academic activities on campus
are hereby suspended with immediate effect; the University is therefore
closed with immediate effect; No student should remain in the halls of
residence after 10am on Friday, 8th April, 2016; a decision to reopen
for normal activities will be taken as soon as municipal services
improve.”
The Nation reports that the University Students Union has said the
school management’s order was impromptu and has left students stranded
with nowhere to go and in the mercy of hoodlums.
It said: “It is unfortunate that despite priding itself as the
University of First Choice and the nation’s pride, the University of
Lagos Management cannot handle this simple issue. The Vice Chancellor
has demonstrated his insouciance towards the welfarism of the students.
Despite his availability on campus today, he refused to avail the
students of his presence.
“In light of this public display of irresponsibility, the Union wishes to state that:
1) It is an inhumane move with a dastardly motive to demand the
vacation of students from the University community. This is because it
has got to the notice of the Union that certain hoodlums are around the
school to waylay students who are trying to leave the school.
2) Students who live in distant areas have confessed that they
do not have transport fare to take them home. This is understandable as
the notice for vacation just got to students this morning at about 6:30,
leaving us with less than 4hrs to vacate.
"They (management) have displayed that they do not have the interest of the students at heart.
"Hence, we implore the students to stay in school so that they
won’t be victims of circumstances. Hoodlums are everywhere and leaving
the school now is dangerous.”
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