By Obende Deborah

University of Benin students residing off-campus in places like Ekosodin and BDPA are distressed by persistent power outages. The promised upgrade by the Transmission Company Of Nigeria (TCN) as announced by Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) spanning from 13, November 2023 till 7, January 2024 with the intention to increase the power supply capacity to the affected areas, has even worsened rather than actualize, causing frustration among the student community.

A student that resides in Ekosodin stated, “It’s not funny at all. It affects our water. Everyday, we need to start looking for where to fetch water! Also as students, we need light for studying and other essential activities. We’re not happy with this at all; it feels like they’re doing it out of sheer wickedness.”

Similarly, a student who is a BDPA resident expressed frustration, saying, “It’s annoying; I’m fed up. As a student, I need light for various tasks, including reading. The absence of light disrupts our sleep and even our ability to charge phones. I have to stay longer on campus just to charge my phone. Now, how will I wake early if I stay up late looking for where to charge phone?
Most times, I even end up missing some classes because I can’t receive any update when my phone’s battery is low.”

The continuous lack of electricity is a significant concern for students, especially considering the already short semester duration which requires students to read like their lives depends on it! The impact is particularly severe for those unable to afford generators and fuel. Students are urging BEDC to address the situation promptly and provide a more reliable power supply.

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