..Demandd VC removal accuse him repressing unions by inviting armed
securty men against peaceful protesters
By Emmanuel Abi Couson
There was palpable tension on Wednesday July 23 at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, FUPRE, Effurun as members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers ,NUPENG, and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria ,PENGASSAN, Warri Zone, staged a protest against the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba.
The Union members gathered at the university’s entrance as early as 6:00a.m, blocking access with fuel tankers and trucks while chanting protest songs.
The action, effectively, shut down the main gate of the university in a peaceful demonstration
Protesters carried placards bearing strong messages, including: “Prof. Agbalagba Must Go”, “Stop Divide and Rule Tactics”, “No to Intimidation and Victimisation”, and “Pay Earned Allowances Now.”
The picketing which grounded activities in the citadel of learning stem from the Vice Chancellor of the Prof. Ezekuel Agbalagba, has t stance against planned protests within the university when he issued a memo, to desist from any action that may disrupt academic activities or endanger lives and property.
In a circular dated July 21, 2025, and titled “Security Alert,” Prof. Agbalagba informed staff and students that credible security intelligence indicated attempts by certain individuals or groups to block access, cause disruptions, and incite crises within the university premises. He stressed that the management would not tolerate any behavior capable of undermining the peaceful academic environment or the achievements of the current administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in maintaining an uninterrupted academic calendar across Nigerian universities.
The circular reminded the university community that FUPRE operates under established laws and regulations and warned that any actions contravening these regulations will meet severe consequences, including the full application of the law.
