- UNIBEN’s ASUU chapter postpones academic activities due to rising violence, condemning recent attacks targeting lecturers and management staff
- The union urges the university administration to address security concerns promptly to create a safe environment for teaching and learning
The University of Benin chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced its decision not to resume academic activities next Monday due to growing concerns about heightened violence and insecurity on the Ugbowo campus.
In a statement issued by UNIBEN’s Chairman, Ray Chikogu, and Secretary, Success Abusomwan, the union condemned what they described as “acts of brigandage” perpetrated by students, individually and under the guise of student unionism. They expressed deep concern over recent incidents of violence targeting lecturers and management staff.
Of particular concern was an incident involving the attempted murder of Dr. Presley Osemwengie, a lecturer in the Department of Economics and a member of ASUU, allegedly by individuals associated with the University of Benin Students Union. The altercation, which took place on April 12, 2024, resulted in Dr. Osemwengie being attacked and sustaining injuries.
ASUU emphasized that such acts of violence create an unsafe environment for teaching and research activities. The union called on the University of Benin administration to take immediate steps to ensure staff safety and establish a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning on campus.
The statement warned that failure to address these security concerns promptly could lead to further actions, including a potential strike by the union.