By O.V.Collins
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) students have been facing a persistent lack of electricity on campus, which has caused significant disruptions to their academic activities and daily lives. Despite numerous complaints and promises from the university management, the issue has not been resolved, prompting the students to organise a protest scheduled for Monday, June 3rd, 2024.
The protest, which is scheduled to begin at 7am prompt, will start at the Ugbowo Campus Assembly point (Hall 2 Car Park) and Ekehuan Campus Assembly point (T Junction). The students are demanding immediate restoration of electricity supply to the campus, improved infrastructure and maintenance to prevent future outages, and compensation for their losses and hardships caused by the prolonged lack of power.
The electricity issue on campus has been ongoing for several days, with the university experiencing a total and comprehensive power outage and disruptions to students’ academic activities. The situation has been exacerbated by the hot weather, making it unbearable for students to stay in their hostels and classrooms. The lack of electricity has also increased the risk of crime and insecurity on campus, as well as disrupted the overall academic environment.
ACJ UNIBEN gathered that despite the university management’s promised efforts to resolve the issue, the students have not seen any significant improvements. In a previous statement, the university’s management had attributed the power outage to a dispute with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) over unpaid exorbitant electricity bill for the month of April, which led to a disconnection by the BEDC. However, the students are demanding more concrete actions to resolve the issue.
The protest is being organised by anonymous individuals, who have called on all students to participate and show solidarity. The concerned individuals have also urged the students to come with protest signs and banners, water and snacks, comfortable shoes and clothing, and a peaceful and determined spirit.
The students will be chanting slogans such as “We want light, not darkness!”, “Restore our right to learn in comfort!”, “UNIBEN deserves better, we deserve better!”, and “A total renovation of all UNIBEN students hostels”, according to a circulating WhatsApp message concerning the protest. They are also demanding a total overhaul of the university’s infrastructure, including the hostels, classrooms, and other facilities.
The protest is expected to be peaceful, with the students following instructions from the circulating WhatsApp message. “Assemble at the designated point at the scheduled time. Listen to and follow instructions from protest leaders and marshals. Maintain a peaceful and orderly protest. Show solidarity and support for one another,” the message read.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the university administration will respond to the students’ demands. One thing is certain, however – the students are determined to make their voices heard and bring about positive change to their academic environment.
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