The management of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Umudike, Abia State, has taken the decision to indefinitely close the academic institution following a protest by students on Tuesday.
The protest reportedly resulted in the alleged vandalization of valuable assets within the school premises, an act the Vice Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, attributed to the activities of miscreants.
In a statement released on Tuesday and made available to ABN TV, Prof. Iwe refuted claims that the students were demonstrating against the school management's refusal to permit them to participate in the first-semester exams due to non-payment of school fees. He clarified that approximately 70% of students had already made their payments, and thousands were in the process of doing so before the disruption caused by what he referred to as "miscreants."
According to Prof. Iwe, "Miscreants took over the University, chasing and pursuing the Vice-Chancellor, damaging his official vehicle and those of his officials, claiming that they were not allowed to take their 1 Semester examination owing to their failure to pay their charges."
He further emphasized that the university's records indicated that a significant majority of students had fulfilled their financial obligations and were peacefully engaged in their examinations. Additionally, over two thousand students were patiently waiting to pay their fees and register their courses before the disruption occurred, instigated by what the Vice Chancellor labeled as "miscreants and hoodlums."
As the university grapples with this unfortunate turn of events, the decision to indefinitely shut down the institution serves as a response to the need for restoring order and ensuring the safety and security of both students and faculty members. The management's efforts to address the situation will undoubtedly be closely monitored, with a focus on the restoration of a conducive academic environment for all stakeholders.
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