Protests rocking the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State took a new dimension earlier today, when students stormed the residence of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mrs Lillian Salami and marched her to the Main Gate of the University.
According to eye witnesses, the students marched to the lodge and disconnected electric wires feeding the building with electricity, thereby forcing the VC to come out of the residence.
When she attempted to address the students, they insisted that she must follow them to other protesting students who were gathered at the campus Main Gate.
The students then created a guard of honour and forced her to trek with them.
She was spotted in tears as some students booed her, chanting “VC is a Yahoo Girl!”
Addressing the students, Prof. Salami promised to order the immediate suspension of the N20, 000 late payment penalty that sparked off the protests, and also ordered the reopening of the University.
She also apologized to them, saying the institution acted on security report to have ordered closure of academic activities.
According to a circular which later emerged, signed by the University’s Registrar, Ademola Bobola and made available to Jungle Journalist Media Limited, the management urged the students to disregard the closure order issued on Tuesday.
The statement read; “After due consultation, and in the overall interest of the general students’ body, the Vice Chancellor has, on behalf of Senate, apologized to our dear students.
“This is based on security reports from the Department of State Security (DSS) to avoid the students’ action being hijacked by hoodlums; and thereby prevent any form of breakdown of law and order within and outside the campuses of the University.”
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