Tuition fees hike: AAU suspends academic activities over protest

The management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma in Edo State, has announced the indefinite suspension of academic activities with immediate effect over protest against an increase in the university’s tuition fees.

This was contained in a statement issued by the AAU Head, Corporate Affairs, Mike Aladenika, on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

Aladenika said the suspension of activities was directed in a memo signed by the university’s Acting Registrar, Ambrose Odiase.

The students of the university have been protesting against an alleged increase in tuition fees of returning students for about three days, thereby disrupting academic activities.

The protest also led to the dissolution of the Students Union Government (SUG) while the AAU management had severally denied an increase in the tuition fees of returning students.

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He stated: “The suspension of academic activities became necessary following an emergency meeting of the university’s Senate in Ekpoma on Monday to appraise the continued protest by students running into days.

“In order to prevent a total breakdown of law and order as well as the need to guarantee the safety of lives and property in the university community and its environs, Senate was left with no other choice than to direct an immediate suspension of academic activities.

“To this effect, all students residing in the hostels on campus are to vacate the halls of residence within the next 24 hours.

“This is an indication that no student should be seen in or around the halls of residence of the University by 3.00 p.m. on Tuesday.”

Aladenika noted that the AAU 40th matriculation ceremony scheduled to be held on Tuesday has also been put on hold indefinitely.

The Star