Student of the University of Benin, on Wednesday, shut down the institution with protests over the decision of the school’s management to impose a N20,000 late registration fee on students.
The management of the University had earlier announced that students who did not pay school fees within the stipulated time would have to pay extra charges and likely have their studentship withdrawn.
It was also gathered that several increments of fees were enacted by the school management from what was being paid by students.
Reacting to the development, students took to the streets to protest the decision which they tagged unfavorable.
Also, the National Parent Teacher Association in a statement had reacted to the report, condemning the action of the school authority as they insisted that such a decision is unacceptable, given the current economic situation in the country.
The statement read in part, “It is quite unfortunate that such simulated charges are being enforced on parents for not paying school fees early enough.
“With the current situation in the country and globally, where COVID-19 pandemic and its variants are ravaging parents’ income, leading to loss of jobs, dwindling earnings, and salary cuts, we expect the federal government and its institutions to be sympathetic to the current economic challenges imposed by COVID-19 pandemic.
“This action by the university is unfortunate, condemnable, and totally unacceptable by Nigerian parents.
“We, therefore, use this medium to appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari through the Minister of Education to call the University of Benin administration to order immediately.”
Meanwhile, aggrieved students on Wednesday continued with protests as they blocked the Lagos-Benin Expressway and Ekheuna Road, where both campuses of the school were located.
However, after much pressure from students, who proceeded to the official lodge of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lilian Salami, and marched her to the gate, the VC announced that the management had reached new decisions.
She announced a total removal of the N20,000 late payment charge, as well as plans to remove the Dean of Students and PRO of the institution, as she maintained that no student will be victimized.
