Abia Varsity Shut Down Indefinitely as Students Protest Fees Hike
The university management ordered all students to vacate the premises by 5:00 pm on the same day. The protests reportedly turned violent, with some students destroying school property and attacking officials, including the VC's official vehicle.
The Michael Okpara University, Umudike, Abia State, has suspended its ongoing academic activities indefinitely due to student protests against a recent increase in school fees. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, announced the shutdown following a violent protest on Tuesday morning.
The university management ordered all students to vacate the premises by 5:00 pm on the same day. The protests reportedly turned violent, with some students destroying school property and attacking officials, including the VC's official vehicle.
A student mentioned that the university administration threatened to prevent students from writing exams if they did not pay the increased fees. The Student Union Government appealed for peace amidst the protests.
Videos circulating online showed police presence on campus, firing into the air to disperse protesting students, causing chaos among market traders nearby. This incident follows similar protests in other Nigerian universities over tuition fee increases, with students calling for government intervention to fund education.