Just in: UNIBEN shut down over student’s riot against 20,000 late registration fee

University of Benin, UNIBEN has been shut down over riot by students on 20,000 late registration fee imposed on them.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof. Lilian Salami announced the immediate closure of the University, following the protest that rocked the institution on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that students of the institution barricade the ever-busy Benin-Lagos Expressway and the Ekheuan Road over a N20,000 late registration fee imposed by the school authority.

It was gathered that the rioting students described the exorbitant collection of 20,000 as late registration fee as unpleasant particularly amidst the “unfavourable economic situation’’ in the country.

Mr Ademola Bobola, Salami, Registrar of the institution, who ordered all students to vacate their hostels and the University premises not later than noon on Wednesday, said the issue would be addressed in no distance time.

“The Vice-Chancellor has reviewed the agitation by a section of the students’ body on Tuesday.

“After due consultation and in the overall interest of the general students’ body, the Vice Chancellor has, on behalf of Senate, approved the closure of the University with immediate effect.

“This is based on security reports 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,’’ She added.