Students attacked by police for protesting

olamide oni

February 19, 2016 10:35 AM

“On February 12, 2016, the Federal Government, without due recourse to the governing councils of 12 Federal Universities and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)"

Members of the

TheNation reported that the student gathered at the entrance of the Federal Ministry of Education to protest the recent sack of Vice-chancellors of 13 Federal Universities appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The students carried placards with inscriptions such as: “ASUU break the silence against this injustice.” “Sack of VCs, an attempt to cripple our citadels.” Say no to injustice,” among others.

NANS president, Mr Tijani Shehu spoke to newsmen saying: “On February 12, 2016, the Federal Government, without due recourse to the governing councils of 12 Federal Universities and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), as to what their offences might have been.

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“What is the reason for the sacking of the four vice-chancellors of Federal Universities and that of NOUN before the expiration of their tenures?

“We request that the Federal Government, should in the interest of due process, reverse its decision and reinstate the illegally sacked vice-chancellors.”

The protest took a more dangerous turn when he students smashed the windscreen of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) with registration number FG 23 A31, belonging the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs as it drove by.

The students chanted angrily, threatening to force their way into the ministry if the minister did not come out to address them.

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The policemen made an effort to curtail the violence, but were unable to do so, which resulted in the firing of tear gas at the students by the police.

Shehu and five other students were arrested, while others ran for safety.

Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, Anjuguri Manza, (ASP) when contacted on the development said that he was yet to be briefed on the issue.

olamide oni