EKPOMA-Authorities of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma-Edo State have announced immediate and indefinite suspension of academic activities, following violent protest by students of the institution.
The students yesterday embarked on a violent protest leading to the torching of a heavy duty truck conveying full load of Caprice brand of rice.
Two students reportedly sustained bullet injuries as security agents attempted to disperse the protesters at the AAU Main Campus gate.
The rampaging students among other destructions reportedly smashed the windscreen of several heavy duty trucks and other vehicles, including official car of the university’s spokesperson, Mr. Edward Aihevba, at the school gate.
In a press statement announcing the suspension, signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Edward Aihevba, the university condemned the action of the students, describing it as ‘uncalled for and unwarranted’.
It reiterated that there was no fees increment in the institution, calling on parents, guardians and general public to discountenance the rumours making the rounds.
“The university management is disturbed by agitation of students leading to wild demonstrations in and around campus on Monday, November 14, 2016.
“The university wishes to reiterate that there has been no increase in school fees. The school fees regime of last session (2015/2016) remains in force this session (2016/2017.
“By this school fees regime, the present 200 level students will continue to pay what they paid last session as they were entering the university. Other levels will pay what they paid last session, according to their departments and levels”, the statement read.
Traffic on the Benin-Okene Highway was brought to halt, as the protesting students blocked the federal road by the university gate.
Students and other willing individuals looted bags of rice from the burning truck. But attempts to descend on the truck conveying goats were frustrated by security agents.
