Following the protest by students, the Bayelsa State Government has mediated in the conflict between the students and the management of the state-owned Niger Delta University, NDU, suspending the imposition of uniform on the students.
The decision resulted from a mediatory meeting on Wednesday convened by the state government, with the members of the Governing Council of the NDU and students’ representatives as well as other stakeholders in attendance.
The students had staged a protest at Amassoma campus to demand the reversal of the mandatory wearing of uniforms, closure of the fees payment portal and the ban on Students’ Union Government activities by the management.
It led to the suspension of academic activities and the closure of the university on Wednesday.
The meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ehwrudjakpo, at the Government House, Yenagoa, agreed that the portal for the payment of school fees be reopened.
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Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, in a statement said the meeting also resolved that students should pay 70 per cent of the school fees at the beginning of every semester.
It said, “The remaining 30 per cent is to be paid before the commencement of second-semester exams, while year one students are required to make full payment of all fees to enable them to have their matriculation numbers.
“The meeting also endorsed the prohibition of indecent and indiscriminate dressing by students, with all faculties directed to enforce their respective dress codes and other regulations as spelt out in the 2015 students’ handbook.
“On the issue of suspension of the Students’ Union Government, it was resolved that the school authority should allow the formation of the body at the beginning of the upcoming academic calendar.”
The Pro-Chancellor, NDU, Dr Matthew Seiyefa, commended Governor Douye Diri and his deputy for their prompt intervention in the matter, describing them as true fathers.
The Vice-Chancellor, NDU, Prof Samuel Edoumiekumo, in his remarks described the misunderstanding as unfortunate and urged the students not to allow themselves to be used by disgruntled politicians.
Proctor Joshua-Ebi while speaking on behalf of the students appreciated the state government for its quick intervention.
Source: Punch