By Okuns Bukola
The University of Benin Electoral Committee has issued a statement dismissing a call for protest circulating on social media, describing it as a malicious attempt to create chaos and unrest on campus. Committee Secretary Collins Obhiozele emphasized that no official protest has been called, and the university management is working to address students’ welfare concerns.
“While it is undeniable that these are trying times for the students of the University, the management is doing everything possible to see to it that the living conditions are better,” Collins Obhiozele, the UNIBEN Electoral Committee Secretary said in a memo released this morning, acknowledging the challenging times faced by students. He also stated that the management is committed to improving living conditions and is in constant dialogue with the electoral committee to ensure student needs are met.
Confusion arose when a suspected forged memo released on July 3, 2024, purportedly from the Electoral Commission, expressed support for the protest, citing the need to address pressing issues in school hostels and urging the student body to join the peaceful protest.
“As representatives of the student body and members of the Electoral Commission, we stand united to address the pressing issues that plague our school hostels… We can no longer remain silent in the face of such injustices. It is evident that the management does not care about our welfare,” the memo stated.
The Electoral Commission has since released another memo disclaiming the earlier one, stating that it did not call for a protest and that the earlier memo was an attempt by malicious individuals to cause chaos and discord at the University.
Despite the confusion, the protest is ongoing, with students demanding improved living conditions and respect for their rights. The university management has yet to respond to the students’ demands, but the Electoral Commission’s statement urges calm and dialogue.
The situation remains unsettled, with rumours of continued protests looming and students hoping for a peaceful resolution to the events.