Atiba University DVC Faces Backlash Over “Intellectually Bankrupt” Remark to Protesting Law Students

The Deputy Vice Chancellor of Atiba University has sparked outrage after describing protesting law students as “intellectually bankrupt.”

The comment was made during a confrontation with students who staged a protest over the university’s decision to impose a 10-year moratorium on the Law programme.

The protesting students, mostly from the Faculty of Law, carried placards and called for the immediate reversal of the moratorium, arguing that it threatens their academic progression and career prospects.

In the heat of the engagement, the DVC allegedly dismissed the students’ grievances and described them as “intellectually bankrupt,” a remark that has since drawn widespread condemnation from students, alumni, and civil society groups.

Student leaders described the comment as “insensitive and dismissive,” saying it undermines dialogue and respect between management and students. They are demanding a formal apology and urgent intervention from the university management and relevant regulatory bodies.

As of press time, the university management had not issued an official statement on the incident or the status of the Law programme moratorium.

The protest continues to generate reactions on campus and on social media, with many calling for constructive engagement rather than confrontational rhetoric.