UNIBEN Students Protest Incessant Increase in Late Payment of School Fees

… As Eholor Asks Prof. Salami to Resign

By The9JaTREND

Students of the University Of Benin (UNIBEN) on Tuesday, 14th September took to the streets of Benin metropolis to protest what they said is the incessant increment in late payment of school fees just as President of One Love Foundation, Patrick Eholor demanded the resignation of Professor Mrs Lillian Salami, the VC of the Institution.

The agitated students in their argument said it was quite difficult to cough up the required N14, 000, but the school had added extra N6, 000 to it.

The management of UNIBEN had earlier announced that students who did not pay school fees within the stipulated time will have to pay extra charges and may likely have their studentship withdrawn.

The increment is for late payment only, it said, but according to the students late payment is supposed to commence in the 2nd semester and not the 1st semester. They also argued that some 100 level students are yet to be cleared and wouldn’t be able to pay their school fees until they are cleared.

According to our reporter who witnessed the protest, parts of the Uniben Main Gate were blocked, causing a traffic gridlock for vehicles traveling along the Benin-Lagos Expressway in Benin City.

In his submission, Eholor also asked the VC to tender an unreserved apology to students of the University who embarked on a protest this morning due to increment in their school fees.

Eholor in a statement expressed disappointment in the Vice Chancellor, whom he said was supposed to endear herself to the students.

He said “The Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN, Prof Salami is one lady whom we all had high hopes in. As a woman and mother, we expected a lot from her. Where men failed, its the woman that rights the wrongs and restores hope and confidence in the people.

“But she has ended up being a bundle of disappointment to us all. How do you explain the increment of late payment of school fees against the students, which is against their parents? You already imposed a whopping N14, 000 fine on them for not laing on time. And now, in the middle of a recession, a period that has almost matured into a full blown depression, you are increasing the fine. If they had the money, will they day in paying it in the forts place? We at One Love Foundation are calling on the Management of UNIBEN to retrace their steps now, and take the rihht step for the sake of humanity. As a matter of fact, the Vice Chancellor as a matter of principle, should apologise to the students for putting them through unnecessary stress and anxiety. She should also do the honourable thing by resigning her appointment. She should sit up and do a better job than what she is currently doing”, Eholor stated.

He also asked the VC to try and give more to the students, instead of taking from them, and reconstitute and independent Students Union Government to give voice to the students. This he said would help in creating a healthy students-management atmosphere in the institution.