Three weeks have been given to the University of Port Harcourt, its Vice Chancellor, Professor Ndowa Laale, the Governing Council and other stakeholders to resolve the crisis in the institution.
This directive follows an order of court sought by Professor Laale to stop the Governing Council of the institution from suspending him.
When the matter was called on Tuesday, all parties involved in the matter asked the court to give them time to resolve the matter amicably.
Stakeholders led by selected Professors are to spearhead the peace talks.
They include Professor S.J.S Cookey, Professor Nimi Briggs, Professor Don Baridam, Professor Kemka Okoko, Professor Anipko, Professor Okiwelu and immediate past Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Joseph Ajienka.
Presiding Judge, Justice Makhmud Lima directed all the parties to cooperate and explore all available options to settle their differences.
The Judge said his decision is in pursuant to section 43 of the Federal High court Act that gives room for out-of-court settlement.
Counsel to the Pro Chancellor, Onome Okodiya said the possibility of the court’s directive will be explored: “We will do what the court has asked us to do and we won’t force anybody to agree. If we can’t reach a common ground, we will all come back to court,” he said.
The matter was adjourned to 27th of June, 2016 for report of settlement.
It would be recalled that the school management under the administration of Professor Laale had enforced a policy of compulsory school fees payment before being allowed to sit for semester examinations.
This policy was adjudged as unfriendly and unpopular by the university students who took to protest.
The massive protest, which took place on the day the semester examinations were to commence, claimed the life of a student, Peter Ofurum.
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