A widespread protest has erupted at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, as students of the institution express outrage over an alleged 60% increase in their school fees. The protest, which commenced around 10 am during a semester examination, was reportedly triggered by the university management’s decision to bar students who had not paid or completed their increased fees from taking the exams.
Reports indicate that final-year students were particularly affected by a ‘No fees, No exam’ policy implemented by the university. The situation escalated when university officials were said to have been deployed to exam halls to remove students who could not provide proof of fee payment, leading to a revolt by the students, according to a 300-level female student who identified herself as Blessing.
The unrest initially began in one of the halls but quickly spread to other areas and eventually reached the university’s main gate. Some students also attempted to block the convoy of senior management officials from leaving the campus. Allegedly, some principal officers fled their offices to avoid confrontation with the angry students.
During the protest, students reportedly vandalised school property, and vehicles travelling along the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene expressway diverted to alternative routes to avoid damage. Police later arrived at the campus to restore order.
As of now, there are indications that the university management is considering shutting down the institution to quell the unrest. When contacted, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Patrick Opara, condemned the destruction of school property, attributing it to miscreants who took advantage of the protest.
Opara denied the allegations against the university, stating that students were not forcibly removed from exam halls, as claimed. However, he could not confirm whether the university had been shut down. The situation remains tense as both students and university officials seek a resolution to the ongoing crisis.
Daily Post