Academic and administrative activities were disrupted at the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma as a result of massive protest by students of the institution over what they described as “obnoxious student policies” of the University Authorities.

Report from the university indicated that as early as 6.00am on Thursday the main gate to the university was locked by the protesting students against the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sunnie Adagbonyin and other staff of the university.

The protesters who were dominated by students of the faculties of law and management science were said to have anchored their grudge on the alleged obnoxious policies of the Adagbonyin-led University Administration, which among others compelled majority of them to be transfered to other departments via introduction of proceeding list they said was unknown to the law, rules and regulations of the university.

Staff and visitors to the university were stranded as the protesting students held on to closure of the university main gate branding placards of varied inscriptions.

Reports also had it that academic and administrative activities were also grounded at the University’s College of Medicine on Wednesday June 5, 2024, following similar protest by students of medical laboratory against what they also called anti-student policy of the university.

The students’ protest is also said to have coincided with alleged growing frustration among staff of the university as a result of failure by the State Government to tackle the sundry problems, including the absence of Governing Council, payment of arrears of salaries, repression and victimisation of workers by the Special Intervention Team (SIT).

It was alleged that there is also the critical problem of complete withdrawal of funding to the University which has led to selective payment of salaries, non-payment of salaries of many staff for 28 months and unpaid arrears of check-off dues and other sundry deductions for several years.

Reports also had it that an emergency Senate meeting of the University has been called by the University Administration for 1pm today (6/6/2024) in a swift response to the students protest in the university.

This information was contained in a memorandum issued by the Acting Registrar of the University, Mr. Ambrose Odiase.

According to Odiase, “I am directed to convey an emergency meeting of the Senate today, 6th June 2024, to address matters of urgent importance, including the issue of course registration and proceeding list for law students.”

“The meeting is mandatory for all members” he said. (Daily Independent)

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