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Ambrose Alli
University (AAU), Ekpoma was yesterday shut indefinitely by authorities
of the school following violent protest by the students which entered
its second day.

The protest by the
students paralysed all form of commercial activities within the Edo
state government owned institution. Banks, business premises, schools
and other commercial ventures were forced to close down, just as
motorists had to carry green leaves on their vehicles as sign of
solidarity with the students.

It was gathered
that the students had on Monday prevented workers from going to their
duty posts as a result of lack of potable water at the institution
following the breakdown of the dam which supplies water to the
University. The dam was constructed via funds donated from the European
Union (EU).

The university
authority hurriedly reacted by dissolving the Student Union Government
(SUG) executive council and arrested its President, Itote Damisa, who
was allegedly released shortly after. Prior to his release , the
students got infuriated and embarked on a violent protest which led to
destruction of property on the campus, just as the students allegedly
placed a mock coffin at the campus’s security office. The police had a
hectic time controlling the protest as a result of the massive number
of protesting students, as several bonfire posts were made within the
Ekpoma town by the angry students who reportedly pulled down some
structures at the market square.

Apart from the
initial grievances over lack of water supply to the campus, the
students are also protesting the high school fees being charged by the
authorities of the higher institution. The sacked student union earlier
in the week ordered the students to pay half of the newly increased
fees announced by the school authority, lamenting the 250 per cent
increase .

Responding to the crisis, the management of the school argued that
the students haven’t paid the school fees for the last session, and
therefore it is irresponsible of them to complain about the new fees.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Sam Uniumikogbo however
confirmed the closure by the management, saying that it was done to
prevent other people from hijacking the protest. “We want to prevent a
situation whereby hoodlums would join them and loot,” he said.