By O.V.Collins
In a memo released on Friday, 31st May, 2024, the University of Benin’s Students’ Union Electoral Commission addressed the ongoing power supply issues affecting the institution, urging students to “exercise patience while the management works on solving this problem before us all.”
The commission, inaugurated on May 28, 2024, acknowledged the challenges faced by students due to the exorbitant charges imposed by the Benin Electricity Company (BEDC), resulting in a disputed additional N200 million to the initial N80 million monthly payment. “It is crystal clear that the management is also affected by this problem and are trying their possible best to restore adequate power supply to the University,” read the memo, signed by the Secretary of the Commission, Collins Obhiozele.
Despite the university management’s efforts to supplement with hostel generators and timed water supply, power restoration remains pending. The commission assured students that alternative solutions like solar energy and increased power supply hours are being explored.
“It is no news that for about a week now, power supply has been a major problem in the University of Benin,” the memo stated. The commission emphasized that BEDC should be held accountable for the crisis, saying, “If for any reason any body/institution needs to be held at ransom for this occurrence we are facing, the BEDC should be the institution.”
The Electoral Commission revealed that it is engaging with management, stakeholders, and planning initiatives to alleviate the situation. The memo stated that plans are underway to establish committees to address student welfare, transportation, commodity costs, emergency services, and more, encouraging students to channel their concerns through their Faculty representatives in the Commission.
“We students are hereby implored to exercise patience… God bless the Students Union, God bless the University of Benin,” the memo concluded.