NANS criticises UNIPORT for dissolving student union
The University of Port Harcourt has dissolved all Students’ Union Government activities, instructing student leaders to hand over union property and face an investigative panel. The directive was announced in a memorandum signed by Prof. Geoffrey Woke on the instruction of Prof. Princewill Chike. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) condemned the move, calling it a violation of students’ democratic rights. Babatunde Akinteye, the NANS president, urged the university to reverse the decision and ensure due process.
What we know
- The university dissolved the three arms of the Students’ Union, Hall Representatives, and all union-related activities, as stated in a memorandum dated July 19.
- All elected student leaders were directed to relinquish union property and appear before an investigative panel.
- NANS president Babatunde Akinteye criticised the dissolution, arguing it lacked due process, transparency, and fair hearing.
- Akinteye called for the suspension of the dissolution order and demanded a transparent and impartial investigation.
- NANS stated it supports accountability but warned against using it to suppress student representation or weaken democratic institutions.
