Heavy security as petrol varsity resumes

There was heavy security presence at the premises of the Federal University of Petroleum, Effurun, Delta State, following the directive by the Federal Government to the workers to resume on Monday.The institution had been engulfed by a conflict involving the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Alabi, who was reportedly suspended by the Governing Council of the school a day after the councils dissolution.Besides, the Academic Staff Union of Universities had embarked on a strike last Tuesday, citing the purported interference and breach of the autonomy granted the school by the Federal Government.When our correspondent visited the university located at Ugbomro, the atmosphere was still tensed, but some employees of the school were seen signing the attendance register as directed by the authorities of the five-year old school.It was further learnt that the wife of the former Minister of State for Education, Mrs. Evelyn Gbagi, who was seen spotting black suit reverted to her former office as the Deputy Registrar of the school.A combination of a private security outfit, Sheriff Deputies, which had just been contracted by the school authorities, officers from the Special Protection Unit and military personnel were seen in strategic positions at the premises of the institution.Alabi had, in a statement on Sunday, instructed the striking workers to resume work on Monday or face sanctions.He had said, "The Vice Chancellor, Prof Babatunde Alabi, is directing that all members of staff are to resume duty immediately. A register has been opened in the central admin for staff still interested in working with the University to sign and return to work. "Names of staff who fail to sign by the close of work on Monday, 21, November 2011 will be forwarded to the Federal Minister of Education for further necessary action."But the ASUU, FUPRE chapter, led by Dr. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, had dismissed the threat by the VC as illegal.
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