MOUAU Vice Chancellor Denounces Rioting as Vandalism, Not Protest
Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, condemns recent campus riots, attributing them to vandalism rather than legitimate protest, amidst disputes over fees and academic policies.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a press briefing today, Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, the Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, unequivocally condemned the recent disturbances on campus, labeling them as acts of vandalism rather than legitimate protests. Iwe asserted that the destruction inflicted on university assets during the turmoil was immeasurable, attributing the chaos to what he described as the influence of miscreants.
According to Iwe, "What the students did was rioting, not protest," emphasizing the extensive damage witnessed across the campus. "Students would not have been stupid to burn their lecture theatre and library," he stated, pointing out instances of arson, attempted looting, and destruction of vital university infrastructure.
FOLLOW THIS: Ebonyi's Oti Vanessa Chinyere Clinches Top Spot as MOAU Best Graduating Female Student
Disputing claims of a 60% hike in school charges, the Vice Chancellor rebuffed such assertions as "unfortunate," alleging that some students had irresponsibly squandered their fees on activities like sports betting before raising objections to the institution's fees.
Moreover, Iwe addressed the implementation of the 'no registration, no examination' policy, describing it as a standard practice in educational institutions worldwide. He criticized individuals who sought to circumvent payment for academic services, citing cases of forgery and fraudulent activities aimed at evading fees and obtaining counterfeit university documents.
RECOMMENDED: Abia Lawmaker Enrolls 120 Indigent Students for 2024/2025 UTME
The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the university's efforts to enhance examination integrity through the adoption of biometric capture technology, despite resistance from certain quarters within the student body and faculty.
YOU MAY LIKE: MOAU Implements Biometric Capturing to Enhance Examination Integrity
Responding to rumors of his mistreatment during the unrest, Iwe clarified that he had not been physically assaulted by the protesting students. He announced that the university Senate would convene to deliberate on appropriate measures in response to the recent events.
In conclusion, Iwe urged against the involvement of military forces in handling the situation, affirming that law enforcement had effectively managed the disturbances without military intervention.
The unrest at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture stemmed from grievances related to perceived injustices regarding fee structures and academic policies, prompting concerns about the integrity of campus security and the need for constructive dialogue to address underlying issues.
