*Students have protested and lamented University鈥檚 authorities increased fees for Science students from N45,400 to N65,400, and that of Arts-related courses from N41,400 to N61,400

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

Sequel to some pressure for the students of the institution, the authorities of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), in Benin, Edo State of Nigeria, may have decided to suspend the reported increase in the payable fees for the students of the school.

It was gathered the students had marched to Prof. Lilian Salami, Vice-Chancellor鈥檚 (VC) office Thursday, September 16, 2021, and ensured that she trekked to the University鈥檚 main gate to address them after defying her order to vacate the hostels on the campus.

Prof. Lilian Salami, Vice-Chancellor of UNIBEN

Sources who spoke to The Cable said: 鈥淪he was in her car; students started climbing it. She got out, trekked to the gate, and asked what we wanted.

鈥淪he agreed (dismissively) that the N20,000 would be removed. We warned we wouldn鈥檛 resume class.鈥�

The Vice-Chancellor was also said to have agreed to remove the N20,000 late payment charge for the students

A student stated: 鈥淲e demanded that the PRO (Public Relations Officer) be sacked for arguing with protesters that education is a privilege, not a right.

鈥淲e also asked that the dean be relieved of his duties for physically confronting the protesters. The VC agreed dismissively.

鈥淭he N20,000 fine on the school portal was removed yesterday evening. No one is going to lectures until our demands are met.

Report indicated that the VC earlier had instructed that electricity be switched off for students鈥� refusal to vacate the hostel as she ordered.

鈥淏ut we marched en masse to her office and that of the dean to turn off their water and power supply in retaliation,鈥� said the student.

Videos showed the VC wading through a deluge of students, but she did not declare the official stance of the University of Benin, according to report.

It is recalled the University鈥檚 undergraduates Tuesday, September 14 had blocked off the institution鈥檚 gate to protest against an increase in their school fees.

Lectures and other academic activities had been stalled on the campus as a deluge of students held up placards.

Some protesters in the institution had lamented that the school authorities increased the fees for Science students from N45,400 to N65,400, and that of Arts-related courses from N41,400 to N61,400.

The University, which resumed August 16, reportedly gave a two-week deadline for payment, while fixing a fine of up to N20,000 as the payment to be made if students didn鈥檛 meet their financial obligations as at when due.

However, amid the persisting students鈥� protest over the fee increases Wednesday, Prof. 聽Salami, the Vice-Chancellor, shut the campus as the protest persisted.

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