Vice Chancellor of FUPRE Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba

There is palpable tension on Wednesday morning at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), as members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Warri Zone, staged a peaceful protest against the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba.

Union members gathered at the university’s entrance by 6:00a.m, blocking access with fuel tankers and trucks while chanting protest songs.

The action, effectively, shut down the main gate of the university in a peaceful demonstration that is still ongoing.

Protesters carried placards bearing strong messages, including: “Prof. Agbalagba Must Go”, “Stop Divide and Rule Tactics”, “No to Intimidation and Victimisation”, and “Pay Earned Allowances Now.”

The protest was sparked by a circular issued by Professor Agbalagba on Monday, 21 July, titled “Security Alert and Caution to All Staff and Students”, with reference number VC/STAF&STDS/25/VOL1.

In the circular personally signed, the Vice Chancellor had warned of potential unrest and requested increased security presence on campus, a move the unions have strongly condemned.

Union leaders described the VC’s actions as “repressive, provocative, and unbecoming of a university administrator,” accusing him of attempting to criminalise lawful union activities.

According to the protesters, the memo was an attempt to paint union members as security threats in order to justify the use of force.

“Our members are law-abiding workers exercising their fundamental rights to organise.

“Calling in armed security against peaceful protesters is not only irresponsible, but also dangerous,” one union official stated.

They further warned that the protest could spread nationally if the alleged intimidation of union members is not addressed.

“He should come and do his worst,” one protester declared, insisting that no circular can stop a legitimate union protest.

As of the time of reporting, NUPENG General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, and his PENGASSAN counterpart, Lumumba Okugbawa, were present, but had yet to formally address the media.

The Vice Chancellor had, in his circular, reiterated the university’s commitment to maintaining peace on campus, stating: “The University Management will not tolerate any action that jeopardises the peaceful academic environment or undermines the achievement of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) in maintaining uninterrupted academic activity across universities in Nigeria.”

Professor Agbalagba, in a tone that suggested panic on the campus, reminded members of the university community that FUPRE is a legal entity governed by federal statutes, and any violation of its rules would attract serious consequences.

“Any staff member or student who participates, either now or in the future, in any act that disrupts the peace of our university community will face severe consequences.

“Management will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law. Be warned!” he added.

The memo was copied to several high-level authorities, including the Governor of Delta State, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Executive Chairman of Uvwie Local Government, the Commander of Operation Delta Sweep, and the Warri Area Commander.