CurrentReport Blog Academic and commercial activities at Ambrose Alli University (AAU) in Ekpoma came to a standstill on Thursday as thousands of students staged a protest over their inability to register for courses. The students, who began their demonstration at 6:30 am, blocked the main entrance to the campus, effectively preventing access for lecturers, staff, and other students.
The protest centered around ongoing difficulties with the university’s course registration system, exacerbated by network challenges and the looming penalty for late registration. According to sources, students were frustrated by the inability to complete their registrations before the deadline, facing a punitive fine of N20,000 for any delays.
A lecturer, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted his experience during the blockade: “I waited outside the gate for over an hour. The students were clearly agitated and felt their concerns were being ignored by the management. By blocking the gate, they ensured that their voices could not be dismissed.”
The protest, involving a significant number of students from the faculties of law and management sciences, highlighted broader issues within the university’s administrative processes. Many students also expressed dissatisfaction with being transferred to other departments through a “proceeding list,” which they claimed was implemented without proper adherence to university regulations.
In response to the escalating situation, the Acting Registrar of AAU, Mr. Ambrose Odiase, issued a memorandum calling for an emergency Senate meeting. The notice, dated June 6, 2024, indicated that the Senate would convene at 1:00 pm to address the urgent concerns raised by the students.
Mr. Odiase’s statement underscored the administration’s commitment to resolving the crisis: “I am directed to convey an emergency meeting of the Senate today to address matters of urgent importance, including the issue of course registration and the proceeding list for law students. Attendance is mandatory for all members.”
Following deliberations, the university’s Senate decided to extend the registration period by two weeks, offering a reprieve to students struggling to complete their course enrollments. This decision aims to alleviate immediate pressures and provide a more flexible timeline for course registration amid technical difficulties.
As the situation continues to evolve, the AAU community hopes for a swift and effective resolution to restore normalcy to the campus.
