According to the reports from Daily Post,In response to mounting grievances over non-payment of entitlements, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has taken the decision to discontinue academic services for postgraduate students. The controversy emerged shortly after students staged protests at the Ugbowo campus concerning the inadequate provision of basic amenities like electricity and water within the institution.
According to a statement jointly released by the university's ASUU chairman, Ray N. Chikogu, and secretary, Success O. Abusomwan, the withheld entitlements reportedly amount to N109 million. This sum, Chikogu clarified, represents 20% of the accruable income solely from the tuition fee component of the overall fees and charges collected via the postgraduate programs at the university. The funds were intended to cover administrative expenses for departments and remunerations for teaching and supervision duties during the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 academic sessions.
Despite the financial obligation, the university management has only disbursed N50 million, falling short of the full outstanding balance. This shortfall has incited the ASUU's decision to suspend their active involvement in the postgraduate programs. The move was formally endorsed by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the ASUU, emphasizing the lack of resolution despite nearly five years of dialogues with the university administration.
Chikogu elucidated on the situation, stating, "On Friday, June 14, 2024, our branch's congress, following protracted negotiations with the university management regarding honoraria for postgraduate teaching and supervision, made the conclusive directive to cease all participation in UNIBEN's postgraduate programs. This resolution, supported by our Union's NEC, signifies our unwavering stance on this matter."