Prof Lilian Salami, VC UNIBEN
By Kingsley Abavo, Benin
All things being equal; the Spokesperson of the University of Benin, Benedicta Ehanire, and Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Patrick Igbinaduwa may soon be removed from office.
This is following demand of the Students in their protest which lasted for two days: Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Students believe both officers of the University had played inglorious roles in the decision of Management, which threatened their right to unhindered education.
The University was widely reported to had imposed on the students, the fine of N20,000 for late payment of school fees.
In reaction, they embarked on a massive protest blocking the highway to motorists almost through out the day, at the Ugbowo Campus on Tuesday. Simultaneously, at the Ekehuan Campus, the situation was the same.
The University Management in swift response, ordered immediate shut down, and asked the students to evacuate the School premises and hostels within 24 hours.
Also, the Institution’s mouthpiece, Benedicta Ehanire while dialoguing with the Students’ leadership, was quoted to had said: “Education is a privilege and not a right so, if any of the students who feels he/she cannot afford the fee imposed, should go learn a vocational skill.”
More provoked, the students in increased intensity again seized the Benin-Lagos Highway, and the Ekehuan Campus Road axis on Wednesday, refusing to be intimidated by the antics of the University’s Management.
They forced the Institution’s locked gates opened and marched down to the office premises of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lilian Salami carrying placards of various inscriptions; while chanting solidarity songs.
Salami sandwiched in the crowd, was consequently forced to march with the students down to the gates of the University, where she addressed them and rescinded imposition of the N20,000 fine.
Also, no student will be victimized she promised, adding, they can remain in their hostel as water and light will be restored.
But the demand for the removal of the Spokesperson and and Dean of Students Affairs, she said was something that cannot be immediately addressed unilaterally, even though something will be done.
The University Image-maker, had come under serious criticism for her statement, both on and off the social media.
Many critics condemning her statement labeled her as naive, very undiplomatic and unprofessional.
This is the first real acid-test for Prof. Salami and Ehanire since assumption of office about a year ago, as the Vice Chancellor and spokesperson of the University respectively.
Many observers say, Prof. Salami has tried to re-enact in the University, the days of the first female Vice Chancellor in Nigeria; Prof. Alele Williams; who was famous for her tough stands and policies thus attracting the alias: ‘Magaret Thacther the Iron Lady’ apology to the former British Prime Minister.
Also, Ehanire, critics say, has been very unfriendly in her dealings with both the internal and external publics of the University.
About Author
