by Obaseki Ofure
There was a protest on Tuesday, 15th May, at Hall 5 female hostel, University of Benin. The protest was led due to an issue regarding a price increment by the vendor operating the provision store in the hostel.
The provision store, which was established to meet the daily needs of female hostelites and sell provisions to them at fair prices, was allegedly exploiting the students. The sudden increase in prices raised concerns among the hostel occupants, prompting them to embark on a protest.
This action drew the attention of the Student Union Government (SUG), who visited the hostel to address the situation. The students complained to the SUG about being overcharged—paying far more than what other vendors in different hostels charged for the same items.
The SUG investigated the matter, and it was confirmed that the allegations against the store owner were true. As a result, the vendor was asked to vacate the store.
The removal of the vendor from the Hall 5 female hostel by the Student Union Government was seen as a commendable step in addressing the issue of overpricing and exploitation.