UNIPORT Dissolves Students Union, Orders Leaders to Surrender Records as NANS Protests

The management of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has dissolved the institution’s Students Union Government (SUG) and suspended all union-related activities indefinitely, directing elected student leaders to hand over official properties and prepare to appear before an investigative panel.

The decision was contained in a memorandum issued by the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Geoffrey Woke, on the instruction of the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Princewill Chike.

According to the memo dated July 19, 2026, the dissolution affects the three arms of the Students’ Union, including elected executives, Hall Representatives and other union-related structures.

“I am directed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Princewill Chike, to notify the three arms of the Students’ Union that they have been dissolved with immediate effect until further notice,” the statement read.

The university directed all affected student leaders to immediately surrender union property to the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs.

Items listed for submission include official documents, financial records, keys, identification materials and other assets belonging to the students union.

The management also stated that the former union officials would appear before an investigative panel whenever invited and warned that failure to comply with the directive could attract disciplinary action.

However, the university did not disclose the specific reasons behind the dissolution or the issues the investigative panel would examine.

Reacting to the development, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) criticised the decision, describing it as a threat to students’ democratic representation.

NANS President, Akinteye Afeez, said while university authorities had the right to investigate allegations involving student leaders, such action must follow due process and respect the rights of elected representatives.

“Dissolving a democratically elected union without due process, transparency and fair hearing amounts to an abuse of administrative powers,” Afeez said.

He argued that the Students Union remains the recognised representative body of students and should not be dissolved through an administrative directive without clear justification.

According to him, the affected student leaders should first be informed of any allegations against them and allowed an opportunity to defend themselves.

Afeez also questioned the timing of the directive requiring union officials to surrender financial records and other documents before the commencement of the investigative process.

“This sequence of events raises questions about the transparency, fairness and independence of the investigative process,” he stated.

The NANS president called on UNIPORT management to suspend the dissolution order and publicly explain the reasons behind the decision.

He also demanded the establishment of an independent investigative panel that would guarantee fairness to all parties involved.

While opposing the dissolution, NANS said it was not against accountability and would support appropriate sanctions if any student leader was found guilty of misconduct after a transparent investigation.

Afeez, however, warned that accountability should not become a means of weakening student institutions or suppressing legitimate representation on campus.

“We urge UNIPORT authorities to resolve disagreements through dialogue, transparent investigation and adherence to established procedures,” he said.

He added that the association had begun consultations with relevant stakeholders and would pursue lawful measures to protect students’ rights.

As of the time of filing this report, UNIPORT management had not released further details on the allegations or issues that prompted the dissolution of the Students’ Union Government.

NAN