By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has suspended seven students who were allegedly to have been involved in the protest against management’s “No fees, no. exams”.
Some aggrieved students had on April 4, 2025 protested against the varsity management decision not to allow students who are yet to pay their fees from writing the examination.
The suspension was contained in the school circular number 473 signed by the Registrar, Victor Ephraim Ene. The students are Emmanuel Olom – 20/CSC/109 Computer Science, Charles Joseph Etim – 20/CSC/244 Computer Science, Kenneth Kelechi Jacob – 22/D/MAC/006 Mass Communication, Anthony ikenna Chiwinke – 20/STA/003 STATISTICS, Joshua Unimashi Betebeke – 20/CEN/243 Civil Engineering, Chidera Richard ugochukwu -20/CSC/235 Computer Science and Michael ogar – 18/EEE/244 Electric Electronic Engineering.
“On the said day, while examinations were ongoing across several venues, a group of recalcitrant students led by them and their associates, staged a protest against the university’s well publicized “no fees, no examination” policy. The protest began at the new Science Block and Mass Communication Blocks and proceeded through the engineering block, administration complex, and terminated at the university main gate,” the circular read.
Management said the protest caused panic, confusion, fear, and uncertainty, forcing members of the university community, both staff and students to run for safety, as well as creating widespread obstruction and disruption of normal academic processes.
Preliminary investigations, the school says, have revealed that the incident was a gross misconduct in violation of the university’s rules and regulations as contained in the Student Handbook, which could have escalated to tragic consequences.
“Their actions caused panic, confusion, fear, and uncertainty, forcing members of theUniversity Community, both Staff and Students, to run for safety. The situation createdwidespread obstruction and disruption of normal academic processes.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that they played a leading role in mobilizing and leading the said protest. While no lives were lost, it is the firm view of the University that, but for the swift intervention of security personnel, the situation could have escalated to tragic proportions.
“Management considers this a gross misconduct and a direct violation of the University’s Rules and regulations as contained in the Student Handbook, including but not limited to: Disruption of scheduled academic activities, participation in unauthorized protest or demonstration and threat to peace, safety and orderliness on campus and conduct likely to bring the University into disrepute.
“Consequently, the University Management has directed that they be suspended from all academic activities for a period of one (1) month with immediate effect.
“Furthermore, their case has been referred to the Student Disciplinary Committee for proper investigation and resolution. Their appearance before the Committee is mandatory.
“Failure to appear before the Committee will result in their indefinite suspension, which shall remain in force until they appear and the matter is duly resolved.
“During the period of their suspension, they are not to participate in or be found on Campus of the University. Violating this directive shall attract stiffer disciplinary actions including the possibility of expulsion.
“They are strongly advised to comply with all directives and cooperate fully with the investigation process. They are to be guided accordingly.”
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