The Bayelsa State Government on Wednesday held a mandatory meeting with the Governing Council of the Niger Delta University (NDU), students’ representatives and other stakeholders to sort out pending issues protested by students.
The meeting which was presided over by the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo at the Government House, Yenagoa agreed that the portal for the payment of school fees be reopened.
It will be recalled that students of the university had protested against the closure of the institution’s portal for payment of school fees and alleged enforcement of compulsory wearing of school uniforms by the university authority.
According to the School authority, Engineering Students are to wear carton colour trousers/skirts with a white shirt, with matching tie/scarf on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, while on Tuesdays, the Students are expected to wear blue jeans, a red t-shirt and adorn themselves in a “simple traditional attire” on Fridays.
In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, other resolutions reached the meeting were highlighted including payment of 70% of school fees at the beginning of every semester.
It added that the remaining 30% is to be paid before the commencement of second-semester exams, while year one students are required to make full payment of all fees to enable them to have their matriculation numbers.
The statement also disclosed the prohibition of indecent and indiscriminate dressing by students, directing all faculties to enforce their respective dress codes and other regulations as spelt out in the 2015 students’ handbook.
On the suspension of the Student Union Government, the school authority was directed to allow the formation of the body at the beginning of the upcoming new academic calendar.
Earlier in his charge to the students, the Deputy Governor reminded the students that their primary objective is to acquire degrees and good character that will enable have a successful life after graduation.
He noted that just as the university has the mandate to award them certificates on completion of their respective programmes, it can also penalize any student found wanting in character, as he enjoined them never to resort to violence in agitating for their rights especially when there is room for dialogue.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Samuel Edoumiekumo, described the misunderstanding as unfortunate and urged the students not to allow themselves to be used as cannon fodder by disgruntled politicians to achieve their selfish ends.
He expressed gratitude to the state government for not only showing concern about the situation but taking measures to resolve the conflict, as he pledged to implement the resolutions reached in the interest of all.
Similarly, the Pro-Chancellor of the University, Dr Mathew Seiyefa commended Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, for their prompt intervention in the matter, describing them as true fathers.
He also thanked the students for not resorting to violence during the protest, assuring that the school authority would continue to make decisions that will only earn them a better future.
The student representative, Mr Proctor Joshua-Ebi in his remarks expressed gratitude to the state government for its quick intervention which he believes would douse the existing tension between them and the school authority.
He, however, pleaded with the authorities to produce and publish a memo conveying all the resolutions to convince the students of their authenticity.
