Atiba University DVC sparks outrage over remarks to protesting law students

A senior official at Atiba University, identified as a Deputy Vice-Chancellor, ignited outrage by labeling protesting law students "intellectually bankrupt" during a demonstration on Monday. The students were protesting the Council of Legal Education's decision to impose a 10-year moratorium on the university's Law programme, citing deficiencies in facilities and alleged regulatory violations.

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Let’s calm down. We’re all intellectual beings, so one day you might even find yourself in my shoes. So, don’t talk rubbish because you don’t know what your future will be.

During the protest outside the university, the DVC attempted to de-escalate the situation, urging students to remain calm and reflect on their future. However, his remarks were met with resistance as students insisted on addressing the immediate crisis impacting their academic careers. "Sir, let's focus on this one. Let's focus on our present," one student pleaded.

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Sir, let’s focus on this one. Let’s focus on our present.

The DVC's response escalated tensions, with him stating, "Many of you are intellectually bankrupt." He further asserted his own success and questioned the students' understanding of their future prospects. When students presented documentation regarding the Council of Legal Education's decision, the DVC dismissed its relevance, emphasizing that "noise will not help you" and that fundamental issues needed understanding.

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Listen, listen! Many of you are intellectually bankrupt. When I say you don’t know what your future holds and you are replying to me, I’m a successful man! If you are able to be like me in life, thank your Almighty God! What are you talking about?

The confrontation occurred a day after the Council of Legal Education cited "inappropriate and inadequate" facilities and unapproved admissions as reasons for the moratorium. This development has left current students and graduates anxious about their eligibility for the Nigerian Law School.

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Doesn’t matter! Just listen! Just listen! Whatever… noise will not help you. I’ve been shouting it. Noise will not help you! Crisis will not help you! There are some fundamental issues that you must understand. I showed a letter to one of you the other day.