UNIBEN bans use of facilities for politics, union events

The University of Benin has announced a strict policy prohibiting the use of its facilities for political or union-related activities at its Ugbowo and Ekehwan campuses. According to a statement released on Thursday by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Benedicta Ehanire, officials managing university facilities have been instructed to reject any requests for events that do not align with the institution’s academic mission.

The university’s management emphasized that its facilities are not to be used for political or union events, such as meetings or rallies, without prior approval. The statement reads,“The Management of the University of Benin has stated its aversion to the use of the University’s facilities in its two campuses for any political or union event, including meetings and rallies without approval.

“Management has, therefore, directed the officials overseeing all its facilities not to entertain any request or application for the use of such facilities for purposes inconsistent with the mandate of the University as an academic institution.”

Additionally, the university has advised leaders of staff and student unions to refrain from organizing gatherings without formally notifying and obtaining approval from the administration. This move underscores the institution’s focus on maintaining an environment dedicated to academic pursuits.