The National Federation of Students of Benin (FNEB) has taken a striking decision by temporarily closing Radio Univers, the university station of the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC). The measure stems from persistent tensions related to the management of the radio station, particularly over the process of renewing its managers.

In a statement, the FNEB pointed to irregularities in the appointment of the station’s new managers, saying that the process had been vitiated by practices deemed non-transparent.

In addition, the student organization accused some officials of embezzlement, which would have aggravated the situation. These allegations of financial mismanagement are one of the main reasons why the FNEB closed the station.

Radio Univers, an important communication organ for the university community, is suspended until further notice, as the FNEB is calling for structural reforms and an audit to shed light on the management of the radio’s resources.

Students, as well as some staff members, reacted differently to the closure. Some support the FNEB’s action, seeing it as a necessary measure to redress the situation, while others express their concern about the impact of such a closure on academic life and access to information within the university.

This crisis reflects deeper tensions between the student federation and certain bodies of the university administration, which, according to the FNEB, have not taken into account the students’ demands in the management of Radio Univers. The future of the station will depend on the conclusions of the investigations that may be opened and the reforms that may be put in place.

Radio Univers, as an educational and free expression platform for UAC students, plays a crucial role in the Beninese academic landscape. The temporary closure of this station raises questions about the university’s internal governance and the transparency of decision-making mechanisms.