Students of the University of
Calabar, yesterday,blocked major access roads leading to the school, protesting
rats’ invasion in the campus and lack of power supply.
The protest started at about 5.30 am,
creating panic and confusion in the vicinity. Workers and traders were stranded
along the adjoining roads linking the university, especially Etta Agbor and
Mary Slessor roads.
A detachment of policemen were stationed
at the Mary Slessor/Marian Roundabout, which was about 700 meters away from the
main gate of the university. The students stood in front of the gate, chanting
anti-Epoke songs.
A student leader, who didn’t want
his name in print, said students didn’t like the manner the Vice Chancellor;
Professor James Epoke was handling the affairs of students.
According to the student leader,
students had been living in the campus without power supply and water in the
hostels for more than three weeks. He said that the school authority refused to
address the problem.
He said: “Rats used to eat our legs
when we sleep because everywhere is bushy and there is no light for more than
three weeks now! We have not had water for months now and students trek long distances
every day to fetch water.”
He alleged that the VC was not
concerned about students’ welfare because his tenure would soon expire next
month.
A student from the English and
Linguistics Department, simply identified as Jerome, said: “We’re tired of the nonchalant
attitude of the VC. The protest is to send him out before his tenure expires
next month.”
When contacted on telephone, Epoke
said the students had the right to protest, but assured that the situation
would soon be resolved.
His words: “They are students and
have the right to protest. On the issue of power supply, have you had light
in your area in the past weeks? You know that is a general problem!”
He added that the institution would not
be shut down because of the protest. He promised to address the students.
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