By Osaigbovo Iguobaro
University of Benin (UNIBEN) students on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest over four-week warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The strike by lecturers in public Universities commenced on Monday, February 14, 2022, aimed at compelling the federal government to meet their demands including the non-implementation of the 2009 Academic earned allowances and other issues of concern.
Investigation revealed that security agents were drafted to the scene to clear the bonfire on the Benin-Lagos Express road which was blocked by the aggrieved students and ensure that hoodlums do not hijack the protest.
It was learnt that the protest caused a gridlock on the highway, even as road users and travellers were trapped for few hours.
The students stated that they decided to protest to draw the federal government’s attention to their plights.
They also appealed to the Federal government to grant ASUU request in order for the strike not to disrupt their academic calendar’.
A Management staff of the University said, “The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Lilian Salami had said that she has not been formally notified of ASUU’s strike.
“This prompted ASUU, UNIBEN Chapter meeting on the same day. The Campus has been peaceful despite the protest.”
