ASUU threatens strike over attacks on lecturers in UNIBEN

The University of Benin chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said it will not resume academic activities next Monday, citing concerns about increased violence and insecurity on the Ugbowo campus.

In a statement, the UNIBEN’s Chairman, Ray Chikogu, and Secretary, Success Abusomwan, condemned what they termed “acts of brigandage” carried out by students, both individually and under the guise of student unionism. 

They expressed alarm over recent incidents of violence targeting lecturers and management staff.

The statement highlighted an incident involving the attempted murder of Dr Presley Osemwengie, a lecturer in the Department of Economics and a member of ASUU, by individuals allegedly associated with the University of Benin Students Union. 

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This incident, which occurred on April 12, 2024, involved an altercation during a gathering where Dr Osemwengie was attacked and left injured.

ASUU emphasized that such violence creates an unsafe environment for teaching and research. 

It urged the University of Benin administration to take immediate action to ensure the safety of staff and create a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning on campus. 

Failure to address these security concerns could lead to further actions, including a potential strike by the union, the statement added.