5th September, 2023
By Jethro Ibileke
Following unabated students’ unrest and protest in Edo State-owned Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, the management of the institution has suspended all academic activities with immediate effect.
Also put on hold indefinitely is the 40th Matriculation Ceremony of the University scheduled today, Tuesday, 5 September, 2023.
According to a memo issued and signed by the Acting Registrar, Ambrose Odiase, the decision to suspend academic activities was taken at an emergency meeting of the University’s Senate held on Monday to appraise the continued protest by students.
“In order to prevent a total breakdown of law and order as well as the need to guarantee the safety of lives and property in the University community and its environs, Senate was left with no other choice than to direct an immediate suspension of academic activities.
“To this effect, all students residing in the hostels on campus are to vacate the Halls of Residence without fail within the next twenty-four (24) hours,” the memo said.
By the notice, no student is expected to be seen in or around the University’s halls of residence by 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 5 September 2023.
It would be recalled that academic activities in the University have been disrupted for several days as a result of students’ protests over the alleged increase in school fees for returning students, a situation that led to the dissolution of the Student Union Executive.
The University in various statements has denied increasing the tuition fee of returning students was ever increased.