University of Benin Suspends Student Union Indefinitely After Attack on Governorship Candidate

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has indefinitely suspended its Student Union Government following an attack on the Edo State Labour Party governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, by suspected student union members on April 12, 2024. The university's Registrar, Ademola Bobola, announced the suspension in a statement on Monday, April 29, 2024, stating that it took effect immediately.

According to the statement, the university management received a report from a panel investigating the incidents that occurred in the Faculty of Law and the University's Senior Staff Club on April 12. "After considering the report, the Vice Chancellor approved the suspension of the student union," Bobola said. All officers of the student union have been directed to hand over all union properties to the Dean of Students' Affairs by April 30, 2024.

The incident occurred during an interactive session hosted by the university's senior staff club, where Akpata was invited as a guest. The students, allegedly led by the student union president, disrupted the event, demanded a halt, and rough-handled staff members, including a member of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who was severely beaten and rushed to the hospital.

In the interim, a Caretaker Committee composed of representatives from various faculties, schools, and institutes has been approved to coordinate student activities during the suspension period. The Edo State government also condemned the violence associated with Akpata's visit to the university.

Why this matters: The attack on a governorship candidate and the subsequent suspension of the student union at the University of Benin highlight the challenges of maintaining a safe and conducive environment for political discourse on university campuses. It also raises concerns about the role of student unions in promoting or hindering peaceful political engagement.

The University of Benin has taken swift action to address the situation by suspending the student union and setting up a caretaker committee to oversee student activities. Akpata, who accused a senior state government official of masterminding the attack, called for a thorough investigation into the incident. The university authorities and the Edo State government have pledged to ensure that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.

Key Takeaways

• UNIBEN suspends student union over attack on Edo LP gov. candidate Olumide Akpata.
• Incident occurred during an interactive session hosted by UNIBEN's senior staff club.
• UNIBEN sets up a Caretaker Committee to coordinate student activities during suspension.
• Edo govt condemns the violence associated with Akpata's visit to the university.
• UNIBEN and Edo govt pledge to investigate the incident and hold perpetrators accountable.