Atiba University DVC Faces Backlash Over Student Remarks

On Monday, a Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Atiba University in Oyo State made controversial remarks, labeling protesting law students as “intellectually bankrupt.” The students were demonstrating against the Council of Legal Education's decision to impose a 10-year moratorium on the university's Law programme, citing deficiencies in facilities and regulatory violations. The DVC urged students to remain calm and suggested they might one day occupy his position, but the students insisted on addressing their immediate concerns.

The DVC dismissed a student's reference to the Council's decision date, stating it was irrelevant and emphasized that the issues predated the university's accreditation. This confrontation followed the Council's findings that the university's facilities were inadequate and that it had admitted students without proper approval.

The situation has raised concerns among students and graduates regarding their progression to the Nigerian Law School. Akinteye Babatunde, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, shared a video of the DVC attempting to leave the university amid the protests.