FUPRE VC, Prof. Agbalagba Moves to Halt Planned Protest

By Diafa Doubra

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), Prof. Ezekiel O. Agbalagba, has taken strong steps to stop a planned protest over alleged injustice within the institution.

In a circular dated Monday, July 21, and addressed to all staff and students, the VC warned against any attempt to disrupt peace on campus. The circular, referenced VC/STAF\&STD/25/Vol 1 and tagged “Security Alert,” was also copied to key security and government stakeholders, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, DSS Director, Uvwie Local Government Chairman Hon. Ofoni, Warri Area Commander ACP Imade, and the Commander of Operation Delta Sweep.

According to Prof. Agbalagba, intelligence reports reaching the university management indicate that some individuals or groups are allegedly planning to block entrances, disrupt academic activities, instigate unrest, and possibly cause harm to lives and property within the campus.

“This is to notify the university community that Management has received credible security intelligence indicating that certain individuals or groups are planning to block access, cause disruptions, instigate a crisis, and inflict catastrophic damage to both lives and property within the University premises,” the circular read in part.

He further stated that the university would not tolerate any act capable of undermining the academic calendar, especially considering what he described as the major strides made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in ensuring uninterrupted academic sessions across universities in the country.

Prof. Agbalagba also reminded the university community that FUPRE is a legal government institution governed by laws, statutes, and regulations, and any act of disruption would attract severe consequences.

“Any act that disrupts the peace of our university community will face severe consequences. Every action that contravenes the university’s rules and regulations carries repercussions, and Management will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law. Be warned,” the VC cautioned.

However, many believe the VC might be taking the wrong approach by escalating the issue to national and state authorities instead of engaging with the concerned students and organizers of the planned protest. Some political observers say that involving President Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at this early stage might be unnecessary unless the Vice Chancellor has something to hide.

The real concerns prompting the protest remain unclear to many, and the silence around those issues has left the campus community in suspense. With tension quietly building, there are growing calls for the university leadership to engage in dialogue rather than confrontation.

As the date of the proposed protest draws near, it remains to be seen how the university administration intends to navigate the situation without further escalating tension on campus.