The management of Benue State University (BSU) Makurdi, Monday shut down the institution following protest by students calling on the school authority to recalculate their cumulative grade point aggregate (CGPA) to match the five-point grading system.
The students as early as 6 am shut down the gates of all entrances into the university, preventing both staff and visitors access to the school.
Chairman, Forum of Departmental Presidents, Moses Gagba who spoke to newsmen said when the National Universities Commission (NUC) reverted from the 4-point grading system to 5-point system, they had approached the management of the school to calculate the CGPA in the past four years to match the current grading system, but the school did not give them a listening ear.
However, responding in a press statement signed by the Registrar, Dr Mfaga Modom, the university management described as unwarranted the closure of the university gates by students on account of the grading system.
Management explained that the university is aware of the grievances of students, especially as it relates to the Five (5) point grading system.
The management said it was in recognition of the issue that the universities Senate constituted a committee to consider the appeal by the students for the recalculation of their previous results from four point grading system to five point grading system and submitted its recommendations.
The institution further said the committee requested and received memoranda from the university community, including the students; met severally and its report was to be considered at the forthcoming meeting of Senate scheduled for Thursday, 5th September, 2019.
“The students must acknowledge the fact that the university had already complied with the directive by the National Universities Commission (NUC) by reverting to the five point grading system with effect from the 2018/2019 academic session.
“In the interim, the university management met the students and informed them of the efforts of Senate and appealed for their patience to enable the committee to complete the assignment.
“Management also, through the Dean of Students issued a circular informing the students of its efforts. The closure of the university gates by students on account of this issue is therefore unwarranted,” the statement noted.
Meanwhile, following the protest, the university management issued a notice announcing the immediate closure of the school.
The management said the decision was necessary to avoid further breakdown of law and order in and around the university campus.
“Students are by this notice directed to vacate the campus latest 4.00 pm. today, Monday, 2nd September, 2019”, the statement added.
