By O.V.Collins
The management of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has appealed to students and staff to remain calm and patient as the university works to resolve the prolonged electricity outage on campus. In a memo signed on May 31st, 2024, the management acknowledged the difficulties caused by the outage and assured that efforts are being made to explore alternative power sources, including solar energy.
According to the memo, “Despite the challenges, Management of the University has gone to great lengths to ensure that students do not suffer unduly by providing generator light to all the hostels between the hours of 6am to 7am and 7pm to 10pm daily.”
The memo further stated, “Management appeals once again to staff and students to be patient and to demonstrate understanding of the situation as it is also exploring alternative power sources including solar energy.”
The management’s appeal has sparked reactions amongst students especially with the planned Monday protest to demand improved infrastructure and compensation for the disrupted academic activities over the lack of electricity. According to a report by ACJ UNIBEN, the students are scheduled to protest on June 3rd, 2024, starting at 7am prompt at the Ugbowo Campus Assembly point (Hall 2 Car Park) and Ekehuan Campus Assembly point (T Junction).
In a statement by an alumnus student leader, Iyayi Victory, he was of the opinion that the aggression should be directed at BEDC, and not the university management, citing that it is not the management’s fault.
“This fight is a good one, but will be a bad one when you direct it to the management. Here the management is not at fault. BEDC increased fee, so na to direct am give BEDC. If their office is shut down for 1 full week, they will reconsider,” his comment read in part.
Recall that the electricity outage on campus was caused by the disconnection of power supply by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) over a week ago. BEDC had issued a notice of disconnection on May 24th, 2024, citing the university’s failure to pay its monthly bill of about N280 million. The university had contested the increased bill, which led to a standoff between the two parties.
The students have expressed frustration and anger over the prolonged outage, which has affected their studies and daily lives. They are demanding immediate restoration of electricity supply, improved infrastructure, and compensation for their losses. The situation has caused significant tension on campus, with students and staff eagerly awaiting a resolution to the situation.
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