By Akpos Oghenetega,
The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) has dismissed reports circulating online that the institution was “forcing all students to pay ₦7,500 because they protested against a fee increase,” describing the claim as “misleading and untrue.”
In a statement signed by Mr. Isaac Ogbra, Head of the Directorate of Media and Public Relations, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba, the University clarified that the ₦7,500 payment approved by the Senate was “a token sum to defray operational and logistical costs incurred during the disruption,” not a penalty for protesting.
The statement explained that the students’ unrest of October 8, 2025, was triggered by the premature release of an unapproved draft of proposed fees while consultations were still ongoing. “Before the conclusion of deliberations, some students prematurely released an unapproved draft of the proposed fees... This misinformation triggered an unsanctioned protest,” the University said.
Following the protest, which disrupted examinations and blocked the East–West Road, the University Senate held an emergency meeting and resolved to close the 2024/2025 academic session immediately, directing students to vacate campus to prevent further breakdown of order. However, after interventions from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and appeals from the students, the Senate reconvened on October 24, 2025, and approved supplementary examinations for affected students.
The Senate also directed all students to submit letters of undertaking for good conduct alongside the ₦7,500 payment, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peace and academic stability.
Reiterating the University’s dedication to transparency and student welfare, the statement noted: “Under the leadership of Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba, Management remains focused on its core mandate of advancing academic excellence and institutional stability.”
FUPRE emphasised that it “will not condone actions that disrupt peace and order,” while appreciating the cooperation of parents, staff, and responsible students in sustaining the institution’s reputation for excellence.
