By David Simeon
Students of the University of Benin are facing a fresh wave of price increases across campus, following the introduction of a new electricity billing structure imposed on retail businesses operating within the institution.
According to reports, the new monthly power charges have been rolled out to shops and service providers across the campus. While an official range for the charges is yet to be confirmed, one cyber café operator on the Ugbowo campus revealed they were billed as high as ₦125,000 per month.
Though no formal protest or resistance has been reported from the affected businesses, the impact has quickly trickled down to students. Prices of basic goods and services—particularly printing and photocopying—have seen noticeable increases, leaving students to bear the brunt of the new financial burden.
As concerns rise over the affordability of everyday services on campus, students are calling for clarity and a possible review of the new electricity charges to prevent further strain on the academic community.