ASUU threatens to boycott UNIBEN’s resumption due to violence on campus

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) threatened to boycott the resumption of classes on April 28, 2024, due to campus violence.

ASUU is calling for prompt action and the initiation of required steps to stop the institution’s errant students from repeatedly violently attacking lecturers and management staff.

The ASUU leadership stated that it is compelled to teach and do research in an atmosphere in which teachers are major targets for brutalisation or elimination by some groups and individuals.

ASUU’s position is coming on the heels of the attempted murder of Dr. Presley Osemwengie, a lecturer in the Department of Economics and member of the University of Benin Branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), by some members of the Executive Committee of the University of Benin Students Union.

Chairman and Secretary of UNIBEN ASUU branch Ray Chikogu and Success Abusomwan in a statement said Dr. Presley Osemwengie was attacked, hit in the back of his head with a small axe, and left for dead in the pool of his blood by some of those in the company of the Students Union President.

“On that fateful day, the President of the Students Union of the University of Benin marched upon a gathering of staff of the University and their invited guests, ordering them to discontinue their interaction as he was not pre-informed and consequently, did not grant permission for the interaction to be held,” they said.

“In the resulting melee, Dr. Presley Osemwengie was attacked; hit in the back of his head with a small axe and left for dead in the pool of his own blood by some of those in the company of the Students Union President.

“It is necessary to note that this worrisome trend began with the assault by both students and non students of the University on the person of the current Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin in September 2021 when she was humiliated and marched from her residence to the Main Gate of the University in very hostile circumstances.

“Other similar and very unsavoury incidents in which students of the University of Benin have threatened and brutalised lecturers of the University have also been reported at different times. This cannot continue.

“We wish to now state that it is impossible for our members to hereafter dispose themselves to any teaching and research in an environment in which they are prime targets for brutalisation or elimination by some of the students they are labouring to impact with the wealth of their intellectual property.

“So, it is incumbent on the Administration of the University of Benin to provide adequate security for staff of the University and create an atmosphere conducive for effective teaching and learning on our campuses.

“To the end that our members will feel safe to conduct their business of research, teaching, and supervision going forward from the 28th of April 2024 (being the date of resumption for the next academic session) therefore, and without prejudice to the work of the Committee set.”