The management of the Benue State University (BSU) has shut down the institution over its disagreement with the students on the grading system.

The students in a protest, which almost went violent called on the management of the university to revert to the 5 point grading system as directed by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

But for fear of breakdown of law and order, the management of the university approved the immediate closure of the institution.

In a statement signed on behalf of university management, Dr. Mrs. Mfaga Modom, Registrar of the institution advised the students to vacate the campus latest 4 pm on Monday.

Daily Independent reliably gathered that the students were demanding that the university management recalculate their previous results of the last four years from the previous 4 point grading system to 5 points.

However, the management has explained that the university had constituted a committee to consider the appeal of the students, and have already reverted to the 5 point grading system with effect from the 2018/2019 academic session.

In the statement, the Registrar observed that the Senate was scheduled to consider the report of the Committee at it’s meeting on Thursday (next tomorrow) before the students embarked on the protest.

While she condemned the closure of the university gates by the students, she insisted that management can only consider their appeal to revert to the 5 point grading system when the report of the Senate Committee is received.

She stated that it was part of measures to avert a breakdown of law and order, that the management shut down the institution.

Sequel to this, Modom said, “The Vice-Chancellor/Chairman of Senate on behalf of the Senate, Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi has approved the closure of the university with immediate effect to avoid further breakdown of law and order in and around the university campus.

“Students are by this notice directed to vacate the campus latest 4:00 pm today, 2nd September 2019. Parents and Guardians of the students and the general public should please note.”

Dr. Modom explained further that the “Management of Benue State University is aware of the grievances of students, especially as it relates to the Five (5) Point Grading System.

“It is in recognition of this that the BSU Senate constituted a Committee to consider the appeal by the students for the recalculation of their previous results from four (4) point grading system to five (5) point grading system and submit its recommendations.

“The Committee requested and received memoranda from the university community including the students; met severally and its report is to be considered at the forthcoming meeting of Senate scheduled for Thursday, 5th September 2019.

“Students must acknowledge the fact that the University had already complied with the directive by the National Universities Commission (NUC) by reverting to the 5 point grading system with effect from the 2018/2019 academic session.

“In the interim, the University Management met the students and informed them of the efforts of the Senate and appealed for their patience to enable the Committee to complete the assignment. Management also, through the Dean of Students issued a circular informing the students of its efforts.”

She stressed that “The closure of the University gates by students on account of this issue is therefore unwarranted.

“Management wishes to reiterate that it can only consider their appeal when the report of the Senate Committee is received.

“Management wishes every student to note that it cares for their academic success and will never deliberately distort their academic performance and results.

“Management, therefore, appeals to students to be law-abiding and respect constituted authority, policies, and properties of the university and allow due process to prevail. (Daily Independent)

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