The management of the University of Port Harcourt has abruptly suspended all activities related to the institution’s Students’ Union Government, triggering swift criticism from national student leadership.

The directive, issued via an official memorandum from the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Geoffrey Woke, acting on instructions from the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Princewill Chike, announced the immediate dissolution of the union’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches, alongside hall representatives.

The university instructed all elected officers to surrender official documents, financial records, keys, and union property, while warning that student leaders must appear before an investigative panel or face severe disciplinary measures. Notably, the school authority did not publicly state the specific reasons or allegations prompting the probe and dissolution.

In response to the development, the National Association of Nigerian Students, led by President Akinteye Afeez, issued a strong statement condemning the decision as an arbitrary abuse of administrative power that violates basic principles of democracy and fair hearing.

While acknowledging the university’s right to investigate potential misconduct, the national student body argued that disbanding a democratically elected executive body without providing prior notice, clear justification, or an opportunity for defense undermines student governance.

NANS expressed further concern over the order compelling leaders to hand over financial and official records prior to panel appearances, claiming such a sequence jeopardizes the independence and transparency of any investigation.

The apex student organization urged the university administration to halt the dissolution order immediately, publicly disclose the grievances under review, and guarantee an unbiased inquiry process.

Warning against the victimization or intimidation of student representatives, NANS emphasized that while it firmly supports accountability for any proven wrongdoing, administrative investigations must not serve as a pretext to suppress legitimate student representation.

Consequently, the national body confirmed it has initiated consultations across various stakeholder groups to pursue legal and constitutional avenues to safeguard democratic institutions on the UNIPORT campus.