CAMPUS UPDATE:-Varsity shutdown over violent protest

Varsity shutdown over violent protest

The authorities of the Federal College of Agriculture(FCA), Ibadan, on
thursday ordered the closure of the school over a violent protest by
its
students, this was contain in a statement by the College's Provost, Dr
Babajide Adelekan

SOURCE:-Oluniyi Hisamotu | Topup9ja Staff

The students during the protest were demanding a reduction in their
school fees and the suspension of the Nigeria Institute of Information
Technology (NIIT) programme being organised for them by the college,
among other things.

The college provost told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Ibadan
that the students had gone on rampage on Wednesday causing
inconveniences to
workers and members of the public.
He said "They blocked the gates leading into and out of the school and
disturbed the environment.
"So, the authorities had to close the college till further notice to
forestall a situation it will not be able to handle".


Dr Adelekan stated that the school fee was affordable for the students
compared to what is being paid in other colleges of agriculture and
polytechnics.

Given an analysis of the fees being protested over, he said "Every
returning student pays N33, 200 in a year, while each fresh student
pays N51, 700 in a year; we afford them a bed space at N90 for a year
per student.

Speaking further, "They do have water supply 24 hours, steady power
supply and healthy environment for learning," the provost said.

Given an explanation on the issue of NIIT programme, Dr Adelekan said
that the college agreed with the firm to teach the students computer
studies and offer them
international certificate apart from their normal certificates.
"The programme has been on for about three years now, students who
passed through it have been grateful but all of a sudden some of them
decided that they don't want it again.
"And we want the best for them, to equip them in all ramifications so
that it will enhance their marketability in the job market," he said.

The provost however said that the college would reopen for academic
activities after all the students must have completed the payments of
their school fees, stop their hooliganism and become remorseful.