Niger Delta University students protest the indefinite closure of the institution

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Students of the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta University, Amassoma, on Saturday, took to the streets to protest the indefinite closure of the university.

The students, under the aegis of the Niger Delta Visionary Movement, criticised other students’ bodies such as the Student Union Government of NDU, National Union of Bayelsa State Students and the National Union of Izon-Ebe Students, describing them as puppets.

The aggrieved students in a statement  by the spokesman,, NDVM, Mr. Wisdom Adike, threatened to march naked with their books and block the entrance to Government House if after a week the stakeholders failed to settle their rift and open the university.

Adike said, “We wish to bring to the notice of the general public, that the strike embarked upon by the ASUU, NDU chapter,  on April 26, 2016, over nonpayment of salaries, have led to the shutdown of the institution for over one month now.

“This development has continued to give parents and students great concern.

“Niger Delta University being the only state owned university is a legacy institution established by the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha who was recently laid to rest. The institution has not only helped in meeting the manpower needs of the state but the entire Niger Delta region and beyond.

“However, we wish to express our displeasure over the lingering strike and government’s attitude towards resolving the situation. The strike has increased hardship, made students to sit idle at home and lose focus on their academic pursuit, as well prolong their academic programmes, thereby causing youth restiveness and society unrest.”

According The PUNCH correspondent, the lecturers of the institution, had on April 28, 2016, proceeded on an indefinite strike, following the inability of the state Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, to pay backlog of workers’ salaries.

As of the time the lecturers commenced their strike, the state government was owing the lecturers and non-lecturers of the NDU four months salary arrears as they have not been paid since January 2016.

The students also appealed to the Federal Government to assist in salvaging the situation, urging all other students to remain calm and embrace as all available non-violence means that will be utilized to end this strike.


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