Ekiti varsity shuts over students protest

The authorities of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti have announced the closure of the institution for two weeks following a protest by the students over the N5,000 late registration fee.

The institution announced that late payment of school fees would attract a N10,000 penalty fee but the students expressed their dissatisfaction, making the management reduce the fee to N5,000.

However, the students rejected the N5,000 reduction and protested the decision of the university authorities.

The protest led to the disruption of academic activities on the university premises as the main gate was shut down.

The Ado-Iworoko highway leading to the university was also blocked and caused heavy gridlock on the ever-busy road.

Led by the Student Union President, Ogunsanya Dotun, the protesters were armed with placards with various inscriptions such as “No to penalty fees”; ”Enough is Enough” and “Late registration fee not for school with high fees” among others.

A statement by the Head Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs of the university, Mr Bode Olofinmuagun, reads: “The Vice-Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Professor Edward Olanipekun, on behalf of the university Senate, has approved the suspension of academic activities on campus for two weeks with effect from today, April 11.

“Parents and guardians are hereby advised to invite their children and wards home immediately.

“Any student found wandering around the university premises does so at his/her own risk.”