NIGERIA: Federal University Lokoja Shuts Down Indefinitely Over Student Unrest

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has been shut down indefinitely, following widespread student protests triggered by the tragic deaths of five students in a trailer accident at Felele on Monday.

The university’s management, in a statement issued on Thursday, announced the closure after consulting with security agencies to prevent further unrest.

The decision was conveyed in a memo signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Dr. Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie.

According to the statement, students have staged continuous protests, blocking the university’s gates despite appeals from the institution’s management and interventions by the Kogi State Government.

“Arising from the advice of the State Security Agencies and to forestall further loss of lives and property, the Vice-Chancellor, after due consultation with management, has decided on behalf of the Senate that both campuses of the university be closed indefinitely,” the statement read.

Students were directed to vacate the premises no later than 12 noon on Thursday.

Amidst the tension, a viral video circulating online on Thursday showed students scrambling for safety as police officers fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.

The students had taken to the streets to demand justice for their fallen colleagues, calling for improved safety measures and better responses to student concerns.