University of Port Harcourt Dissolves Student Union Activities
The University of Port Harcourt has taken immediate action to dissolve all activities related to its Student Union Government. This decision was communicated through a memorandum signed by the Dean of Students, Professor Geoffrey Wolk, following directives from Vice-Chancellor Professor Princewill Chike.
The official memorandum, dated July 19, outlines the dissolution of three divisions of the Student Union, halting all hall representation and related activities. The university has mandated that all elected student leaders surrender union property and report to an investigative committee. This directive emphasizes the institution’s commitment to ensuring accountability within its leadership structures.
Instructing all union executives, the university requires the return of official documents, financial records, keys, and identification items. Student leaders are also expected to appear whenever they are summoned by the inquiry committee. The university has cautioned that failure to comply with these directives could lead to disciplinary actions against the involved parties.
The News Agency of Nigeria has reported that the university did not detail the reasons behind this unexpected dissolution or the specific investigations being initiated. In a swift response, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the actions, labeling them as violations of democratic rights afforded to students.
NANS National President Babatunde Akintoeye issued a statement expressing concern over the lack of due process in dissolving the elected student body. He emphasized that while university authorities have the right to investigate allegations against student leaders, such actions must align with established protocols to ensure transparency and fairness. “Dissolving a democratically elected union without due process constitutes an abuse of executive power,” he remarked.
Akintoeye further asserted that the student union serves as a legitimate representative body for the student population and cannot be disbanded arbitrarily. He pointed out that affected officials deserve to know the allegations against them and should be granted an opportunity to defend themselves before any substantial actions are taken.
In light of these events, Akintoeye called for a halt to the dissolution order and urged university management to clarify the reasons behind it. He proposed the establishment of an impartial investigative committee to ensure fair treatment of the student leaders involved. While acknowledging the necessity for accountability, he cautioned against using such measures to undermine democratic institutions or suppress legitimate student representation.
Mr. Akintoeye concluded by stating that NANS is not opposed to accountability but insists that misconduct should be addressed through an open and transparent process. He noted that the association has begun consultations with relevant stakeholders and is exploring legal avenues to protect students’ rights and uphold democratic practices. NANS reiterated its demand for the immediate withdrawal of the dissolution order until a fair and credible investigation takes place.
