Nationwide Protest: UNILAG, FUOYE Suspend Academic Activities Indefinitely
As some Nigerian youths are set to protest tomorrow, August 1 over the current economic hardship ravaging the country, the management of Federal University of Oye Ekiti, FUOYE, has suspended academic activities of all the University campuses till further notice.
The management also temporarily suspended movement of the University staff busses.
This was contained in two separate statements on Tuesday signed by the Registrar of the University, Muftau Ibrahim.
The first statement reads, “In taking pro-active steps towards ensuring the security and safety of the entire University community during and after the proposed nationwide protests, the University Management at its meeting held on Monday, 29th July, 2024 resolved and advised as follows:
“The movement of the University staff buses (TATA) shall be temporarily suspended during the period of the protest. Staff are advised to make alternative arrangements for their transportation;
“Officials of the University who are in possession of official/branded vehicles are directed not to use such vehicles during this period;
“Deans and HoDs are directed to immediately suspend the ongoing project defense and clearance of final year students until further notice;
“Staff are advised to keep themselves updated with information from relevant government agencies;
“In case of security breaches and related issues, staff are advised to contact the Chief Security Officer on 09033815988 for assistance. Please be assured of the University Management’s resolve to ensure the safety and welfare of all staff and students.”
According to the second statement, “This is to inform all students (Postgraduate, Final year, & Institute of Part-Time Studies) that the University Management has directed that, in view of the Planned Nationwide Protest, all academic activities on all University campuses are hereby suspended until further notice and all students are expected to vacate the University campuses with immediate effect.
“This directive is in order to ensure the safety of lives and University properties during the Planned Nationwide Protest. All Deans and Heads of Departments are requested to kindly note the above directive.”
UNILAG Postpones Exams Indefinitely
Also, the Management of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, Akoka, has postponed its ongoing 2023/2024 second-semester examinations Indefinitely over the planned nationwide protest.
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday by the Head of the Communication Unit of the institution, Mrs Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem.
Alaga-Ibraheem said all examinations scheduled for Thursday and Friday had been postponed till further notice.
She said, “A new schedule for all the papers initially listed for these two days will be announced in due course.
“Members of the university community are, hereby, advised to remain calm, safe and security conscious at all locations.”
She said the management had put in place precautionary measures to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of staff on the three campuses of the university.
“Security is everybody’s business.
“All members of the university are, therefore, enjoined to go about their legitimate business and not hesitate to report anything or anyone suspicious on campus to the security unit.
“The university recognises the right of citizens to lawful and peaceful assembly.
“However, members of the institution, particularly staff and students, are implored to remain civil, orderly and responsible in their utterances and behaviour, offline and online,” she said.
Osun Students Disassociate Themselves From Planned August 1 Nationwide Protest
Scores of Osun State Students under the national leadership of National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS) have disassociated themselves from the planned protest.
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday signed by the President of the association, Comrade Akinnibi Miftau.
Miftau said the protest didn’t align with their strategic approach to achieving long-term solutions.
He said, “Firstly, NAOSS has always stood firmly for the rights and welfare of our members and the broader Nigerian society. We acknowledge the severe hardships that many Nigerians are enduring, and we are committed to advocating for positive change through constructive and peaceful means. However, we believe that participating in this particular protest may not align with our strategic approach to achieving long-term solutions.
“Our decision is based on a careful evaluation of the potential outcomes and risks associated with the protest. We are concerned about the safety and security of our members amid the current volatile environment. The primary responsibility of NAOSS is to safeguard our students, and we cannot, in good conscience, expose them to potential harm or unrest that may arise during such a large-scale protest.
“Furthermore, NAOSS has always been a proponent of engaging in dialogue and constructive engagement with the government and relevant stakeholders. We believe that meaningful change can be achieved through ongoing discussions, policy advocacy, and active participation in democratic processes.
“We are currently in the process of drafting a comprehensive policy recommendation to address the issues of hunger and rising living costs, which we intend to present to the government.
“It is also important to note that our decision does not imply a lack of support for the grievances expressed by the protest organizers and participants. On the contrary, we stand in solidarity with all Nigerians who are calling for better governance and improved living conditions. Our approach, however, emphasizes sustainability and the importance of institutional engagement.
We urge our members to channel their energies into initiatives that foster unity, peace, and constructive dialogue.
“Moreover, we encourage our members to remain vigilant and law-abiding during this period. It is essential to prioritize personal safety and the well-being of our communities. We advise against participating in activities that may lead to confrontation or escalate tensions. Instead, let us focus on building a united front that can push for change through legal and peaceful means.
“To this end, NAOSS National Headquarters is open to collaborating with other student bodies and civil society organizations to develop and implement alternative strategies for advocacy. We believe that by working together, we can amplify our voices and achieve more significant impact without resorting to potentially disruptive measures.
“In conclusion, we reaffirm our commitment to the welfare of our members and the betterment of Nigeria as a whole. Our decision to abstain from the #EndBadGovernance protest is made with the utmost consideration for the safety, security, and long-term interests of our association. We call on all members to support this decision and continue to engage in positive and constructive advocacy.Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
