The University of Benin (UNIBEN), once regarded as one of Nigeria’s most prestigious tertiary institutions, is facing criticism for apparently relinquishing its responsibility for public communication to a socio-cultural organisation.
Stakeholders have expressed serious concern over what they describe as a troubling trend, especially at a time when the university is embroiled in controversy over an alleged hike in fees and other charges.
Despite widespread reports and protests over the fee increase, the university management has remained silent and has neither confirmed nor denied the claims, leaving the public without an official position.
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Instead, a Benin socio-cultural group, the Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, has taken it upon itself to speak on behalf of the institution.
In a statement issued on Friday, the group dismissed rumours of a planned fee hike as “misleading” and declared: “We are here to state clearly that the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Edoba Omoregie, SAN, has not increased school fees, and there was never a plan to do so.”
The development has shocked many stakeholders, who find it unacceptable that a cultural organisation is now acting as the mouthpiece of a federal university on such a sensitive administrative matter.
The Concerned Students’ Movement (CSM) had earlier condemned the alleged fee increase as “arbitrary, insensitive, and exploitative,” arguing that it disproportionately affects students from low-income backgrounds.
Many now question the implications of the university’s silence and its apparent reliance on an external cultural body to manage its public image.
A renowned legal practitioner, Davis Ossai, weighed in on the controversy, stating:
“The Vice Chancellor should address the public directly and clarify the university’s stance on the fee hike. Transparency is key in situations like this. Allowing a socio-cultural group to respond to such sensitive issues on behalf of the university amounts to downgrading a once-prestigious institution and bringing its reputation to an all-time low.”
Efforts to reach the university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, were unsuccessful as her phone was switched off.
A source close to the administration revealed that the matter is considered too sensitive to be handled by the PRO and can only be addressed directly by the Vice Chancellor.
As the controversy continues, parents, students, and observers are left wondering about the state of leadership and communication at one of Nigeria’s foremost universities.
UNIBEN Cannot be Governor on Social Media – Prof Edoba
The Standard Gazette reached out directly to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Edoba Omoregie, SAN, who responded by sharing an official letter directing students to the university’s payment portal for clarification.
When pressed further on the widespread claims of a tuition fee increase, the Vice Chancellor stated, “University of Benin cannot be governed on social media. Let them speculate. My office is not political. I don’t need people’s validation to know we are doing great.”
He accused the newspaper of approaching the issue with bias, saying, “It will only be clear if you have a clear mind. The circular is explicit. There was never any increase. There is no cause for it.
If we need to do so, one billion noise makers on social media won’t stop us. We are only answerable to our regulators and probably our students.”
Professor Omoregie further added: “You people who think negatively should busy yourself with better things to do. University of Benin is off limit under my watch.”
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