No fewer than 38 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were arrested following a recent protest in the town, are set to regain their freedom, following high-level interventions by government officials and student leaders.
The update was disclosed in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement, Hon. Comrade Asefon Sunday Dayo, who confirmed that arrangements for the students’ release are currently underway.
According to the statement, the breakthrough came as a result of the “timely and constructive interventions” of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President of Ambrose Alli University, as well as sustained advocacy by members of the comrade community.
Hon. Asefon commended the stakeholders for prioritising dialogue, due process, and the welfare of students, noting that their collective efforts helped to de-escalate tensions and ensure a peaceful resolution of the situation.
He further described the development as a positive signal of government’s responsiveness to student-related concerns and its commitment to protecting the rights and wellbeing of Nigerian students.
The statement reassured students and the university community that engagements would continue to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and to promote constructive dialogue as a preferred means of resolving grievances.
The planned release of the students has been widely welcomed by student groups and stakeholders, who see it as a step towards restoring calm and normalcy in Ekpoma.
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