Students of the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Obio Akpa Campus, on Tuesday started a protest over closure of school portal.
The students, whose protest disrupted activities on the school campus and force businesses in the neighbourhood to close down, are also angry with the institution over boycotting accreditation and mid semester break.
According to Thenationonlineng, The peaceful protest, led by the Students Union Government (SUG) Secretary General, Comrade John Bassey, was under Akwa Ibom Student Protestscontrol following the presence of heavy security men.
According to eye witness, who pleaded anonymity, the Police Area Commander of Ikot Ekpene, Mr Chidozie Ike, was present at the scene of the protest.
The Nation, gathered that the students are demanding that the institution opened school portal for full payment of tuition for 2014/2015 academic session
Also, students demand that the new policies on the hiring of school bus by the students at about N30, 000 should be addressed.
Similarly, a Campus Press Club member, reported that some students were unable to take examinations due to non-payment of their first semester tuition.
Although, the eye witness could not confirm the number of students affected by the situation, it was gathered that most students had to pay house rents with their tuition since hostels were no more available.
Meanwhile, the students are appealing to the school management to understand the prevailing challenges that forced them into diverting their tuition.
According to the students, landlords increased house rent upon knowing that School hostels were no more available for the students.
They further blamed the situation on economic challenges in the country, where some of their parents are yet to receive salary.
Hence, they (Students leaders) on behalf of the students make the plea on the grounds of humanity, saying: “However they are going to do it, we want the portal to be open for full payment of the entire session school fees,” Comrade Bassey, SUG Secretary, was quoted to have said.
The Nation was unable to confirm directly, the situation of things around the campus, but it was gathered that major road leading to the school was closed by heavy traffic as commercial activities were also interrupted.
