The protest, which began at about 5.30 a.m., created panic as workers and traders got stranded at roads linking the university, including Etta Agbor, IBB Way and Mary Slessor Road.
The placards read: “VC, give us water and light, students cannot study without light and water, electricity and water is our right,’’ among others.
One of the students, Mr. Emeka Ebere, told the press that the students had been staying without light and water in hostels for more than three weeks. He also complained of rats in the hostels.
Ebere added that the school authorities were doing nothing about the plight of students.
“Rats come to eat our legs when we sleep because everywhere is bushy and there is no light for more than three weeks now. Again, we have not had water for months now and students have to go long distances into the town to fetch water,” he said.
He blamed the situation on the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. James Epoke, alleging that the VC was not showing concern over students’ welfare because his tenure would expire next month.
Another student, Miss Theresa Kahi, claimed that the vice- chancellor was the reason for the protest.
“We, the students of this school are tired of the attitude of the university’s management.
A detachment of anti-riot policemen was stationed at the Mary Slessor/Marian Roundabout, about 700 metres from the main gate of the university.
When contacted on telephone, the vice-chancellor said the students had the right to protest, assuring however, that the situation would be resolved soon.
