The University in a memo signed by its Acting Registrar, Ambrose Odiase, said the suspension of academic activities became necessary following an emergency meeting of the university’s Senate in Ekpoma on Monday, to appraise protest by students that had run into days.

According to the management, “To prevent a total breakdown of law and order as well as the need to guarantee the safety of lives and property in the university community and its environs, the senate was left with no other choice than to direct an immediate suspension of academic activities.

“To this effect, all students residing in the hostels on campus are to vacate the halls of residence in the next 24 hours.

“This is an indication that no student should be seen in or around the halls of residence of the university by 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday 5th September 2023.

It would be recalled that students of the University had been protesting an alleged increase in school fees for returning students for about four days.

The protest disrupted academic activities and a scheduled commendation service in honour of a late Professor of Economics, Moses Isunu Aliemen.

The situation led to the dissolution of the Student Union Executive. The university had in its various releases stated that there was no time the tuition fee of returning students was increased.

Meanwhile, the 40th Matriculation Ceremony of the University scheduled to be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, has also been postponed indefinitely.