FUPRE Clarifies Senate Resolutions On Recent Students’ Unrest

By Daniel Dafe

The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), has reacted to online reports and social media commentaries alleging that the University is “forcing all students to pay ₦7,500 because they protested against a fee increase,” saying the “claim is misleading.”

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, 4th November, 2025, issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Relations, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, the institution stated: “For clarity and proper public understanding, the University wishes to set the record straight and present the true sequence of events surrounding the students’ protest of October 8, 2025, and the subsequent resolutions of the University Senate.”

Adding: “For the record, the review of school charges was still ongoing, and in the spirit of transparency and inclusiveness, the Students’ Union executives were duly involved in the process. However, before the conclusion of deliberations, some students prematurely released an unapproved draft of the proposed fees, even though the final approved rates (which reflected a downward adjustment) had not yet been issued. This misinformation triggered an unsanctioned protest on October 8, 2025, during which students barricaded the University’s main gate and the East–West Road, disrupting public order and ongoing examinations.”

According to the institution, “following a comprehensive review of the situation at an emergency meeting, the University Senate resolved to bring the 2024/2025 academic session to an immediate close and directed all students to vacate the campus that same day to forestall further breakdown of law and order.”

Adding: “This decision implied that affected students would have to carry over their outstanding courses and pay full tuition in the 2025/2026 academic session.”

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However, following appeals from the students and the intervention of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zonal Executives, FUPRE said “the Senate reconvened on 24th October 2025 and approved supplementary examinations,” saying that “final-year students were to write theirs on 31st October 2025, while others would take theirs a week before the 2025/2026 academic session.”

“Senate also directed all students to submit letters of undertaking for good conduct and pay a token sum of ₦7,500 to defray the University’s operational and logistical costs during the disruption,” the statement said.

The statement said further: “It is important to emphasize that the University remains steadfast in its commitment to aligning with international best practices and national aspirations. Under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba, Management remains focused on its core mandate and will not be distracted from advancing academic excellence and Institutional stability.

“Professor Agbalagba has consistently prioritized the welfare of students and staff, promoting academic quality, infrastructural renewal, and stakeholder engagement—anchored on transparency, integrity, and compassion. His leadership continues to guide all major decisions, including recent measures taken to preserve peace and sustain academic progress.

“The University upholds the highest standards of ethics and discipline while remaining firmly committed to the welfare of its students and will not condone actions that disrupt peace and order. The university Management appreciates the cooperation of parents, staff, and responsible students, and remains resolute in sustaining the institution’s reputation for excellence and relevance.”