The Bayelsa State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the implementation of the new school fees regime at the Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma, following concerns over reported increases in charges at the institution.
The directive was contained in a special government announcement signed on Thursday by the Commissioner for Education, Chief Dr Gentle Emelah.
The government directed the university management to suspend implementation of the new fees and urged students and authorities to maintain peace while ensuring that academic activities continue uninterrupted.
“By this directive, Management and Students are advised to go about their usual academic activities, maintain order and shun acts capable of causing rancour and chaos in and around the campus environment,” the statement said.
The state government did not disclose details of the new fee structure or explain the circumstances surrounding the suspension.
It also did not clarify whether the new charges had been permanently scrapped or would be reviewed following consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The suspension is expected to ease concerns within the university community and prevent a possible disruption of academic activities over the reported fee increase.
The implementation of the new charges will therefore remain on hold pending further directives from the state government and the university management.
The government also appealed to students and other members of the university community to remain calm and avoid actions capable of disrupting academic activities on campus.
