The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has suspended all academic activities indefinitely and directed all students to vacate the campus with immediate effect, The Nation reports.
A statement signed by the University management said no student should remain in the halls of residence after 10am on Friday.
The directive was issued following a protest on lack of water, electricity and increased cost of coming to school to attend lectures by students on Thursday.
The statement reads in part: “The Senate of the University of Lagos at an emergency meeting held on Thursday, 7th April, 2016, considered the situation on campus occasioned by the ongoing agitation of the student body over poor electricity and water supply in the community, and the difficulty faced by large number of students living off campus to attend classes as a result of the fuel crisis… However, in order to forestall further breakdown of Law and order on campus… All academic activities on campus are hereby suspended with immediate effect; the University is therefore closed with immediate effect; No student should remain in the halls of residence after 10am on Friday, 8th April, 2016; a decision to reopen for normal activities will be taken as soon as municipal services improve.”
Meanwhile, the University Students Union has countered the Senate’s directive, ordering all students to remain on campus.
A statement signed by the Students Union said management’s order was impromptu and has left students stranded with nowhere to go and in the mercy of hoodlums.
It said: “It is unfortunate that despite priding itself as the University of First Choice and the nation’s pride, the University of Lagos Management cannot handle this simple issue. The Vice Chancellor has demonstrated his insouciance towards the welfarism of the students. Despite his availability on campus today, he refused to avail the students of his presence.
“In light of this public display of irresponsibility, the Union wishes to state that:
1) It is an inhumane move with a dastardly motive to demand the vacation of students from the University community. This is because it has got to the notice of the Union that certain hoodlums are around the school to waylay students who are trying to leave the school.
2) Students who live in distant areas have confessed that they do not have transport fare to take them home. This is understandable as the notice for vacation just got to students this morning at about 6:30, leaving us with less than 4hrs to vacate.
They (management) have displayed that they do not have the interest of the students at heart.
Hence, we implore the students to stay in school so that they won’t be victims of circumstances. Hoodlums are everywhere and leaving the school now is dangerous.”
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