The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), has officially ordered the closure of its 2024/2025 academic session following a wave of student protests over an alleged 200% increase in tuition and hostel fees.
The decision, which was made at an emergency Senate meeting on Wednesday, has provoked strong resistance from the university’s Student Union Government (SUG), which described the move as “unjustifiable” and a violation of students’ rights.
In a circular issued by the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) E. Jane Omoyine, the university announced that the Senate resolved to end the 2024/2025 session with immediate effect and directed all students to vacate hostels and campus premises by 6:00 PM on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
The memo cited the students’ early morning protest, which led to the barricade of the busy East-West Road and disruption of vehicular movement, as the reason for the emergency decision.
The university management warned that any student who fails to comply with the evacuation order would face disciplinary action in line with the institution’s code of conduct.
However, the Student Union Government (SUG), led by Comrade Edemakoita Etiosa Oghenemaro, in a strongly worded letter to the Vice-Chancellor, condemned the sudden closure, calling it “wrong, unjustifiable, and a clear infringement on students’ rights.”
The union demanded an immediate reversal of the directive and insisted that students should not be punished for peacefully protesting the alleged fee hike.
The SUG maintained that the protest was triggered by a “leaked memorandum template” from the Registrar’s office, which reportedly indicated a steep increase in school and accommodation fees.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to defending students’ welfare, rights, and freedom of expression.
As of press time, the university management has not reversed its decision, while security personnel continue to patrol the campus and surrounding areas to prevent further unrest.
The situation remains tense as both parties—management and students—stand firm on their positions.
Read also: FUPRE Students Protest Alleged Fee Hike, Block East-West Road in Effurun
