Students of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), under the aegis of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCT) National Association of Nigerian Students (S) and other institutions in the FCT, yesterday barricaded the entrance and exit gates of the FCT Administration secretariat for about two hours.
The protesters, led by UNIABUJA Chairman of S, Comrade Friday Omadewu Adayi, laid siege to the FCTA secretariat between noon and 2pm.
They vowed not to leave unless the FCTA meets their demands.
Their demands included a vehicle from the FCTA for their association to attend their various conventions; develop the university’s Unity Park; solve water supply challenges at the university’s mini-campus and furnish the common room of the S chairman.
The FCTA has condemned the students for their action. It noted that the protest was unjustified and embarrassing.
Some of the students’ leaders later met with FCT officials, led by the FCT Education Secretary, Alhaji Kabir Usman.
Based on what was gathered, the official promised to look into their demands, despite the fact that most of them were either untenable or should have been pursued through the Federal Ministry of Education, which administers their university.
The secretary announced that the students’ request for a vehicle was receiving attention and would be granted, if funds were available.
Usman stated it was wrong for the students to compel the government to fulfil their demands, which he stated were not the statutory responsibilities of the FCTA.
A statement yesterday by the Special Assistance Media to the FCT Minister, Nosike Ogbuenyi, said: “The point should be stressed that it is not part of FCTA’s official responsibility to furnish the S Chairman’s common room at the University of Abuja or to provide internal infrastructure in Federal universities. Similarly, government action on the kind of demands made by the students is discretionary and dependent on resource availability.
“Nonetheless, the FCTA cherishes robust relationship with S even though it frowns at any attempt to hold it to ransom by students over welfare and logistics demands by individuals or groups.
“The FCTA advises the students to desist from lawless acts like blocking of gates. “But the administration will not stop to assist students through its various mechanisms including award of scholarships.
“It will equally continue to give logistics support to students’ organizations, such as S, provided that due process is followed and sufficient notice given in all cases. While we are doing this, we call on parents to always watch their children and wards closely by calling them to order whenever the need arises.
“The FCT Administration, through its water board, has provided potable and wholesome water to the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, including Gwagwalada township by the recent inauguration of the Lower Usuma Dam Phases III and IV water treatment plants.
“Therefore, it is the duty of individuals, institutions and corporate organizations to undertake water reticulation in their areas of abode.”