By O.V.Collins
The University of Benin Senate has warned that it may shut down the institution if dialogue with protesting students fails and the protest continues. This is coming after an emergency meeting of the University Senate due to the ongoing protest by students of the University of Benin over the hardship meted on them by the prolonged outage of electricity on the campuses, the hike in the prices of food and transportation within and outside the school.
The Senate considered the students’ demand for 24-hours electricity supply, as unrealistic. A demand which was a norm within the university but was discontinued by BEDC due to an unpaid bill of over N250 million.
The protest, which began early morning, has seen students blocking the federal highway. The Senate expressed concern over this development, urging the students to reconsider their stance as it tends to cause hardship to travelers and other commuters.
Despite the tension, the university management has been commended for its efforts to ensure student comfort despite the challenges faced by the nation. The senate also stated that the other complaints about high cost of food and transportation within the institution, were out of the university’s control.
Efforts to resolve the issue are ongoing, with the Senate engaging in dialogue with the students to find a mutually acceptable solution. Only time will tell if a resolution can be reached, or if the Senate will be forced to take the drastic measure of shutting down the institution.