UNIBEN Senate approves removal of N20,000 late registration fee

The Senate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has approved the removal of the N20,000 late registration fee that led to a two-day mass protest by students of the institution earlier during the week.

Addressing a press conference, yesterday, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Lilian Salami, stated that as a result of the outcry of the students, the University Senate reversed the decision to impose the late registration fee of N20,000.

Salami said: “It is important to mention that this reversal in position will not break the University of Benin. I fundamentally believe that there are very few decisions that are irreversible and this is definitely not one of them. At this time, the N20,000 late fee is reversed and it is a closed case.

“UNIBEN is resilient and we will continue to move forward with a strong conviction to ensure that the university reaches its full potential as a premier academic institution.”

She pledged her unwavering commitment towards boosting the institution’s achievements recorded under her watch in the last 20 months even as she vowed to continue to make more progress in improving academic excellence.

“I continue to be an advocate for creating an environment where all members of the Uniben community can have a voice.

“That said, while most protesting students acted peacefully, a few turned violent – endangering themselves, their fellow students and our staff (including myself). I am glad that the protest concluded with no one being hurt.”

“As the Vice Chancellor, I will continue to encourage fair, open dialogue, but violence in any shape or form has no place in the University of Benin and will not be tolerated. Freedom of speech does not and should never amount to chaos,” Salami said.