UNIBEN Students Protest Against ASUU Strike

The declaration of a four-week warning strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been condemned by stakeholders and various student associations, the latest being students of the University of Benin who staged a peaceful protest to air their grievances.

The students in their numbers, had on Wednesday, February 16, barricaded the Benin-Ore-Sagamu expressway to protest the ongoing industrial action. They were stationed by the entrance of the Ugbowo campus of the university, chanting slogans and solidarity songs like “aluta continua…” and “education is our right,” among others.

They were seen with placards bearing various inscriptions as they expressed their frustration over the endless strike actions universities lecturers always embarked on and urged both the federal government and ASUU to resolve their issues.

Foster Amadin, UNIBEN SUG president who spoke on behalf of the protesting students said they were tired of the constant crisis between universities workers and the federal government, and do not want to spend extra years in school. He added that they are made to spend 5 to 6 years studying for a 4-year course, and it is eventually becoming a norm due to the constant strike action.