Authorities of the University of Abuja have announced an indefinite shutdown of the school until further notice.

An official statement from the office of the Vice-Chancellor said the decision was informed by continuing protests by students. The announcement was made after fresh protests yesterday morning at the university staff quarters. Students, with the theme “BringBackOurExams” were protesting the lecturers’ strike which had entered its third week.

A Channels TV report quoted the statement as directing all students to vacate the hostels and university premises immediately, adding that “further developments on the matter would be communicated in due course.”

At main campus of the school, a notice has been placed in all departments and hostels ordering every student to leave the school compound immediately, the report said.

It added that tear gas canisters were reportedly shot in the air to enforce the students’ eviction from the hostels and the mini campus and many had been seen packing their luggage preparing to leave.

Members of the university’s Governing Council are expected to meet over the issue today.