The Nation Newspaper

Tag: UNIBEN

  • How military transferred houses to us, by UNIBEN

    The properties in dispute at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) were transferred to it by the military government, the university’s management said on Wednesday.

    It said the military governor of old Bendel State, Col. George Innih, authorised the transfer.

    Among land and property transferred to the university, it said, include the Ugbowo Campus, the Ekenwan Road Campus, Staff Quarters and Club allocated to the University at GRA, and the Arts Theatre, Airport Road.

    Agents of the state government allegedly demolished some houses on the land occupied by some university staff.

    Special Adviser on Media and Communication to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Mr. Kassim Afegbua, said what the government did was in line with the rule of law.

    “What we have simply done is to recover and repossess Edo State Government’s assets, located around Government House in GRA,” he was quoted as saying.

    But the university, through its legal counsel, Mr Hannibal Uwaifo, at a news conference in Lagos, exhibited documents exchanged between the government and the university during the transfer process.

    In one of the letters to the school by the Ministry of Education, dated 23 September 1974, the government acknowledged the transfer.

    The acknowledgment followed the education ministry’s letter to the Permanent Secretary of its counterpart, Ministry of Land and Housing.

    The letter reads: “Since it your ministry that is directly in charge of all government buildings, it would be appreciated if you could take steps to get the above-mentioned properties transferred to UNIBEN either by an edict with a schedule of the said properties or an appropriate gazette notice indicating the said properties.”

    The university said the government should have waited for the outcome of its appeal against a judgment of a Benin High Court on the properties, which was in Edo State’s favour, before carrying out the demolitions.

    According to Uwaifo, the judgment was delivered on December 16, last year. Not satisfied with the decision, the university filed a notice of appeal on December 17.

    It also filed a Motion for Stay of Execution of the judgment on December 19, and the processes were served on the government.

    It was learnt that the government claimed not to have been served with the processes, but Uwaifo exhibited a proof of service dated December 22, 2014.

    The university’s ground of appeal is that the judgment by Justice E. O. Ahamioje “is against the weight of evidence”.

    UNIBEN is urging the appellate court to allow the appeal, overturn the lower court’s judgment and grant its claims.

    In the motion on notice, the university had prayed “for an order of this honourable court staying execution of judgment in this suit No B/74/2013…pending the determination of the appeal.”

    The state government claimed that the properties were loaned to the University by the Midwest government.

    But the university insists the properties were given to it during its take-off.

    “We have evidence showing that part of the conditions for the take-over of UNIBEN by the Federal Government led by Gen. Yakubu Gowon was that properties being used by the university as at April 1, 1975, would remain UNIBEN’s properties.

    “Liabilities that were owed to the university by the Midwest government would remain their liabilities.

    “Most of those houses were uncompleted. It was the Federal Government and UNIBEN that took time to complete them,” Uwaifo said.

     

  • ASUU seeks protection for UniBen lecturers

    ASUU seeks protection for UniBen lecturers

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has asked Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole to respect the rule of law over the demolition of houses of lecturers.

    ASUU condemned the alleged violence on its members by agents of the state government,

    Its president, Nasir Fagge, in a statement in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, alleged that unidentified agents of the government, accompanied by some thugs, brutalised its members occupying university buildings, on which litigation was pending.

    He said it was unbelievable that the governor could preside over a state where rather than providing homes for the people, legitimate owners were rendered homeless.

    Appealing for police protection for its members, the ASUU president also urged Oshiomhole to respect the rule of law.

  • APC warns UNIBEN

    The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday urged authorities of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) to guide their agents and hirelings against further attempt to cast aspersions on Benin monarchy.

    The party gave the advice over the ownership contention of the university’s staff quarters, which the court affirmed was the property of the Edo State government.

    In a statement yesterday in Benin, the state capital, by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Godwin Erhabor, the APC condemned “the sarcastic reference by UNIBEN ASUU President, Dr Anthony Emina-Monye, that his team met a vehicle of Benin Traditional Council in one of the quarters, whose fence was demolished by the state government last week.

    Emina-Monye alleged that ASUU was aware that the Edo State government had given some of the houses to a foremost traditional personality in the state. UNIBEN’s lawyer, Mr Kola Okeaya-Inneh, re-echoed the statement when he said some of the houses had been taken over by a foremost royal personality in the state.

  • Burnt Govt Bus: Edo Students apologise to Oshiomhole

    Burnt Govt Bus: Edo Students apologise to Oshiomhole

    A Coalition of Students of Tertiary Institutions in Edo State have apologised to the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole over the razing of a luxury bus belonging to the State Government by some students of the University of Benin.

    The UNIBEN students were purportedly protesting the repossession of some quarters belonging to the government from the University authorities after a High Court ruled in favour of the state government.

    Drawn from all tertiary institutions in the state, including the Tayo Akpata University of Education, Ekiadolor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, College of Education, Igueben, College of Agriculture Iguoriakhi and Michael Imoudu College of Physical Education, Afuze the over 200 students said the action of some students of the University of Benin was politically motivated and would not be condoned.

    Addressing the Governor, President, Student Union Government, Tayo Akpata University of Education, formerly known as College of Education, Ekiadolor, Comrade Amenaghawon Emmanuel said, “We are here to show our strong solidarity to you and your entire cabinet because we know, overtime, there are bound to be detractors and opposition but regardless of all these, we want to let you know that those who are with you are more than those who are against you.

    “Specifically, I will want to talk about the script that was acted out a few days ago on television. It is glaring to all that those behind the script are agents of darkness that are against the state. It may please you to know sir, that students are presently not in session. The question then is, those that barricaded the highway, where did they come from? Are they actually students? Why did they not burn the Comrade bus gift to their own institution? That display actually negates the wish of the generality of students in Edo State.

    “So sir, on behalf of the entire students as well as the management of Tertiary Institutions in Edo State, we want to tender an unreserved apology on behalf of Edolites. We also want to use this opportunity to let you know that we are grateful for the cordial relationship existing between the students in Edo state and the state government.”

    The students also presented an award of excellence to the Governor for his “developmental strides not only in rebuilding the then College of Education but extending your developmental efforts to all Institutions in the state irrespective of ownership.”

    Others who spoke were the President, National Association of Edo Students, Comrade Gideon Aidonijie and Comrade Agbonlahor Agape, President, Student Union Government, College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi amongst others.

    In his remarks, Comrade Oshiomhole expressed thanks to the students for the honor bestowed on him.

    He said, “As Governor, I need the courage to make decisions without minding whose ox is gored because what has led to impunity across the country is that government is unable to find the courage to apply rules clearly without looking at faces.

    Oshiomhole said, “I made up my mind from a very early age after fighting my battles as you are fighting your battles, that I shall commit myself to standing on the side of truth and God will give me courage to do what I am convinced about. That has guided my actions since I assumed office as Governor of Edo State.”

    While x-raying the recent court action by the University of Benin against the Edo State Government in relation to properties owned by the state, Oshiomhole said, “People have been misinformed about the real issue concerning that property.”

    He maintained that the University of Benin is not the owner of the said properties in the Government Reservation Areas of the state capital but belonged to the state government and the court had so ruled, charging the students not to allow themselves to be used by greedy and frustrated politicians at the detriment of their academic pursuit.

  • Edo evicts UNIBEN workers

    Edo evicts UNIBEN workers

    •Students protest •Govt: we only took possession

    Some University of Benin (UNIBEN) workers were evicted from their homes yesterday. Their homes in the high brow Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Benin, the state capital, were demolished by the Edo State Government.

    The buildings were said to have been built by the Samuel Ogbemudia military regime several years back.

    The workers were packing out of the buildings yesterday.

    Some of them said they were not at home when bulldozers pulled down the perimeter fences and parts of their homes.

    The workers included former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin; Western Delta University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Austin Asagba; Prof. Christy Omoifo of the Faculty of Science Education and Dr. Osuya Obianenue, both of UNIBEN.

    Many of them said they lost valuable documents, including primary six leaving certificates.

    Oshodin said the demolished building in his official quarters housed his credentials and private library.

    He said: “People are abusing power. This is the most lawless thing I have ever seen in my life. There are cases in court and they have not been finalised. Yet, somebody is taking the law into his hands.

    “There were 2,000 thugs brought here. The painful aspect was that they were escorted by the police. The governor himself came here twice. He showed them the houses and after the demolition, he came to make sure that the demolition took place.

    “There was an appeal against the judgment delivered by the court. Dr Ogbemudia gave us these houses and he testified that he gave us these houses. There are documents to the whole process. If they had told us to leave, I would have packed out.”

    Obianenue, who had a Plaster of Paris on his neck after the demolition, said some policemen aided the thugs to beat him up.

    Omoifo said she was not at home when part of the building was pulled down.

    UNIBEN students took to the Benin-Lagos express road to protest the demolition.

    They deflated the tyres of one of the “Comrade buses” plying the route and discharged the passengers.

    UNIBEN’s Students ‘Union Government (SUG) President John Ifidon said more students would be mobilised for a protest, if the government failed to apologise for its action.

    They said the demolition of the homes of their lecturers was illegal.

    The Bureau Chief of Daily Independent, Mr Francis Onoiribholo, was beaten up by those demolishing the bungalows. His camera, tape recorder and mobile phone were collected from him.

    Prof. Oshodin was speechless as he watched the bulldozers demolish his official home at the GRA in Benin.

    The protesters blocked the Lagos-Benin Road for over two hours.

    ASUU Chairman at UNIBEN, Dr Anthony Monye-Emina, who led the protest, regretted that despite the suit pending at the Appeal Court, “the state government still destroyed the university’s property, making our workers and lecturers homeless”.

    Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General Henry Idahagbon said the government acted in accordance with the law, following a court judgment delivered on December 16, last year.

    The commissioner said the government only took possession of its property, which he said were illegally occupied by UNIBEN workers.

    He said: “We didn’t demolish their property. What we did was to take possession. Their case was that the place was given to them by General Ogbemudia when he was a military governor.

    “They did not have any document to back up their claims. They canvassed five issues before the court and they lost on all five issues. The court said they should deliver forthwith. After three weeks, it was clear they were not prepared to give up the possession.

    “I challenge them to show evidence of an appeal and proof of service. They did not serve us any court process.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    “UNIBEN vice chancellor and the university’s management should know that they are not a government. They are not a law onto themselves. The VC does not have immunity from prosecution. Anybody that flouts the law will be prosecuted.

    “The students have no interest and no stake. The houses are not a students’ hostel. Prof Oshodin is a former VC and has no business living there…”

     

  • ASUU protests assault on members in Benin

    ASUU protests assault on members in Benin

    Members of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) protested yesterday the alleged manhandling of its members by suspected hoodlums.

    The protesters were angry that the hoodlums unleashed mayhem on the members over disputed land allegedly belonging to the university.

    The union, in a statement yesterday in Benin, the Edo State capital, by its state Chairman Anthony Monye-Emina and Secretary Okeri Henry, urged law enforcement agencies to intervene in the matter to save the lives of its members.

    The statement reads: “We write to the attention of the public to the resort to lawlessness and gangsterism against some of our members on Friday, 19, December.

    “For the information of the public, the University of Benin was in court over landed property in the GRA, Benin City, and judgment was delivered on Tuesday, December 16, 2014. During the pendency of the matter, the res was tempered with and we strongly believe that this is against the rule of law.

  • Crisis: UNIBEN suspends exam

    Crisis: UNIBEN suspends exam

    The management of University of Benin (UNIBEN) has temporarily shot down all academic activities in the school due to a clash between suspected cultist groups and indigenes of Ekosodin community in Benin, the Edo state capital.

    According to a source who simply identified herself as Faith, the brawl started at about 7:45pm on Thursday when cultists stormed students’ hostel at Ekosodin community with different harmful weapons, ranging from axes to guns of different brands, demanding for students by names.

    Faith, a student of the institution, recounted that one of the student fearfully pointed out the room of a lady whose name was mentioned when the cultist threatened to burn down the hostel when the bearer was not produced on time.

    According to her, the pandemonium continued until about few minutes before mid-night only to continue early on Friday morning with an uproar from the cultists who were precluded from entering the school premises by school security by locking the gate against them.

    IMG_20141121_155108Furthermore, several students returning from night studying in the school on Thursday were beaten and displaced as they run helter-skelter for safety. Meanwhile some sustained varying degrees of injuries while few others were reported to have died in the process.

    Later on Friday morning, ambulances were spotted around the community to convey corpses and injured victims for treatment.

    Resultant from this brawl, the institution has issued a notice to all students concerning the suspension of the second semester examination earlier slated for Friday, 21st of November till Monday, 24th of November.

  • UNIBEN graduates 16,458

    UNIBEN graduates 16,458

    Sixteen thousand, four hundred and fifty-eight students graduated yesterday at the 39th and 40th convocation/44th Founder’s Day ceremonies of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

    Vice chancellor Prof. Osayuki Oshodin gave the figure in his convocation address.

    He said the university combined the 39th and 40th convocation following the university’s inability to hold the 39th ceremony last year because of the strike by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    Prof Oshodin said the convocation would be his last as UNIBEN vice chancellor because his tenure ends this month.

  • UNIBEN graduate 16, 458 students

    UNIBEN graduate 16, 458 students

    A total of 16,458 graduands were conferred with different awards at the 39th and 40th convocation/44th Founder’s Day ceremonies of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Thursday.

    The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, who disclosed the number while addressing the gathering, said the university combined the 30th and 40th convocation due to the inability of the university to hold the 39th convocation ceremony last year due to the strike action embarked upon by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    He noted that the convocation ceremony would be his last as Vice Chancellor of the university as his tenure ends in November 2014.

    Prof.Oshodin disclosed that since the inception of his administration in 2009, a total of 173 staff were promoted to the rank of full Professor while 214 were elevated to the position of associate Professor.

    He said, “Apart from numerous infrastructures we have put in place with the help of the Federal Government, two new faculties were established during this period; they include the Faculty of Environment Sciences and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Also, the distance learning Center was established to provide additional access to the learning number of candidates.”

    Prof.Oshodin further commended the Federal Government, the National University Commission (NUC) and the Governing Council of the University of Benin for their support throughout his tenure as VC of the university, adding that the infrastructural development on ground in the university is an indication that the funds accrued to the university was well utilized.

  • Enter the UNIBEN Idol

    There was excitement at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) last weekend when the Students’ Union Government (SUG) held the maiden edition of a talent hunt show, which was graced by the highlife music legend, Sir Victor Uwaifo. EDDY UWOGHIREN (200-Level Medicine and Surgery) reports.

    The second semester examination could not stop the show. By 10am last Saturday, the Akin Deko Auditorium at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) had been filled to capacity by students for the grand finale of the maiden edition of UNIBEN Talent Quest organised by Koko News Publication in collaboration with the Students’ Union Government (SUG).

    In a carnival-like manner, the contestants walked into the venue with their fans, who displayed their names on placards. At the entrance of the auditorium, a group of students displayed: “Amanda is the one”, “Support Annabel”, “Vote Emily to become the next UNIBEN Ambassador”.

    It was gathered that over 90 students bought forms to participate in the reality show, which involved singing, dancing, acting, poetry, painting and acrobatic display, among others.

    The audition was held for two days at the Banquet Hall Basement in the university. There were various emotions when the judges screened the contestants. Some broke down in tears; others in laughter. Of the 80 students who participated in the audition the first day, only 42 were asked to proceed to the second stage. On the second day, they were shortlisted to 21 for the final round.

    In his speech, Mr Chris Ogiemwonyi, a former Minister for Works, said the event would go down in history as the biggest social event aimed at harnessing the talents of the youth for a productive venture. He urged the organisers to sustain the event, while encouraging students not to be carried away in the excitement.

    Editor-in-Chief of Koko News and a 400-Level Medical Physiology student, Daniel Uwadia, said the objective of the event was to promote, publicise and encourage students who are exceptionally gifted in various arts to develop their talents.

    He said: “We discovered that there are many students endowed with different talents, but there was no platform to support their talents. This event will project them into the world and, in a way, will help to solve unemployment and youth restiveness.”

    After the address, the stage was set for the performances. The session was anchored by Mc Papi, a campus artiste. The panel of judges was led by highlife music maestro, Sir Victor Uwaifo.

    Other members were Dr Chris Ugolo, Dr Okosodo Okomama, Mr MacDonald Anyangbe of Silverbird Television in Benin, Lawrence Osarenkhoe and Mc Casino.

    The contestants filed out in succession to perform. Some of the performances were greeted with laughter and condemnation. The contestants in comedy dished out hilarious jokes, which thrilled the audience.

    The audience was held spell-bound when a contestant, Joseph Obinna, sketched and painted the portrait of Sir Uwaifo in less than two minutes. When he was done, the auditorium was literally brought down as students shouted: “Na you go win o.”

    When Garrick Graham, another contestant, was called out for his performance, there was pin-drop silence in the hall. He read a poem on a fictional creature Abike. He demonstrated in an emotion-laden voice and translated the speech in body language.

    The participants also engaged in daring stunts and dance.

    However, some of the contestants whose performances got the audience excited were not among the top four. The decision of the judges generated an uproar in the hall because it did not go down well with members of the audience, who had expected a contrary verdict.

    When order was restored, members of the audience were asked to choose the winner among the top four contestants through voting.

    At the end of the voting, Precious Okukusie, 300-Level Adult Education and English Literature student with stage name Mr Play-P, emerged winner.

    He was rewarded with N100,000 and a recording deal with Lockdown Entertainment.

    Caroline Igben, a dancer and a student of Theatre Arts, was the first runner-up. Emily Omili, a Fine Arts student and Amanda Onoabhagbe, were the second and third runners= up. Other contestants got consolatory prizes.

    Afterwards, Sir Victor Uwiafo entertained the students. He was presented with an award of excellence with Linda Iheme, Chief Executive Officer of International Initiative for Youth Inspiration and Development (IIFYIGD).

    Precious said he never expected to win but only participated in the event to showcase his talent. He said his determination and zeal to be better stood him out.

    Dr Okosodo said originality and professionalism were part of the criteria the judges used to measure the abilities of the contestants.

    The SUG president, Ifidon Ikhide, said the event was a platform to hone the talents and creativities of students and show them to the world.