By Ovie Okpare
The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), in Uvwie, Delta State, has debunked reports circulating on social media claiming that the institution is compelling students to pay ₦7,500 as punishment for protesting a proposed fee increase.
The university described the report as “misleading and a distortion of facts,” clarifying that the payment was not a penalty but a token approved by the Senate to cover operational and logistical costs incurred during the disruption of academic activities.
In a statement signed by the Head, Directorate of Media and Public Relations, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba, FUPRE said the false narrative stemmed from the October 8, 2025, students’ protest over an unreleased draft of proposed fees.
According to the university, the fee review process was still ongoing and had involved the Students’ Union executives. However, some students reportedly circulated an unapproved draft of the proposed new fees, which triggered a protest that led to the blockade of the university’s main gate and the East–West Road, disrupting ongoing examinations.
The statement read, “For the record, the review of school fees 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.”
Following the unrest, the institution’s Senate convened an emergency meeting and ordered the closure of the 2024/2025 academic session, directing all students to vacate the campus immediately to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The closure, according to statement, initially meant affected students would have to carry over their courses and pay full tuition in the next session.
The statement added that the Senate further directed all students to submit letters of undertaking for good conduct and to pay ₦7,500 to offset operational costs arising from the protest.
“However, following appeals from the students and the intervention of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zonal Executives, the Senate reconvened on 24th October 2025 and approved supplementary examinations.
“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.”
FUPRE reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, student welfare, and institutional stability under the leadership of Prof. Agbalagba, who it said had continued to promote academic excellence, infrastructural renewal, and stakeholder engagement.
“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. Management will not condone actions that disrupt peace and order,” the statement read in part”, the statement added.
FUPRE also appreciated the cooperation of parents, staff, and students who, according to the statement, have remained committed to sustaining the institution’s reputation for excellence and relevance.
