Bayelsa Govt wades into rift at Niger Delta University over fees, dress code

The Bayelsa government on Thursday said it has intervened to halt the dispute between students of the state owned Niger Delta University (NDU) and management of the institution that necessitated shut down of the university.

A mediatory meeting convened by Bayelsa government between the Governing Council of the NDU, students' representatives and other stakeholders held at the Government House, Yenagoa.

It will be recalled that students of the university had been protesting against purported hike in tuition fees and introduction of ‘school uniform’ to check indecent dressing by students in the tertiary institution.

The officials of the institution however clarified at the meeting that the contentidous issue was the closure of the institution's portal for payment of school fees to enforce a one-off payment and enforcement of existing dress code to check indecent dressing.

The last round of meetings directed by Governor Douye Diri which was presided over by his deputy, Sen Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo agreed that the portal for the payment of school fees be reopened to allow part payment.

Resolutions reached at the meeting include payment of 70% of school fees at the beginning of every semester.

The remaining 30% should be paid before the commencement of second semester’s examinations, while fresh students are required to make full payment of all fees to enable them to have their matriculation numbers.

The parley also endorsed the prohibition of indecent and indiscriminate dressing by students, directing all faculties to enforce their respective dress codes and other regulations as spelt out in the 2015 students' handbook.

On the issue of suspension of student unionism, it was resolved that the school authority should allow the formation of the body at the beginning of the upcoming new academic calendar.

Earlier in his counsel to the students, the Deputy Governor reminded the students that their primary objective is to acquire degrees and good character that will enable them eke out a living after graduation.

Ewhrudjakpo cautioned them never to resort to violence in agitating for their rights especially when there is room for dialogue.

He noted that just as the university has the mandate to award them certificates on completion of their respective programmes, it can also penalize any student found wanting in character.

Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor of the Niger Delta University, Dr. Mathew Seiyefa commended the state governor and his deputy for their prompt intervention in the matter, describing them as true fathers.

Seiyefa also thanked the students of NDU for not resorting to violence during the protest, assuring that the school authority would continue take decisions that will only earn them a better future.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of NDU, Prof Samuel Edoumiekumo, described the misunderstanding as unfortunate and urged the students not to allow themselves to be used as a tool for destabilisation by disgruntled politicians to achieve their selfish ends.

Edoumiekumo while expressing gratitude to the state government for not only showing concern but taking measures to resolve the conflict, promised to implement the resolutions reached at the meeting in the interest of all.

Responding on behalf of the students Mr. Proctor Joshua-Ebi also appreciated the state government for its quick intervention which he believes would douse the existing tension between them and the school authority.

Joshua-Ebi, however, pleaded with the authorities to produce and publish a memo containing the resolutions to convince the student population of their authenticity.