Students at the University of Ibadan, located in the southwest region of Nigeria, staged a protest on Wednesday to express their grievances over a new electricity rationing schedule and a recent hike in tuition fees imposed by the university management.
Reports from PUNCH Metro, Nigeria indicate that the students were provoked by the announcement of a 10-hour daily power supply on campus, incessant tuition increases, and what they termed “outrageous fees” introduced by the authorities.
The protest began in the late hours of Tuesday and continued into Wednesday, with students carrying placards at the university gate.
An internal memo addressed to the Chief Engineer (Electrical) by the Director of Works and Maintenance Department, O.A. Adelotu, indicated that electricity would be rationed and made available to students for 10 hours daily. The memo, issued on Tuesday, outlined the approved schedule: 8 am – 2 pm for daytime and 10 pm – 2 am for nighttime.
“Effective immediately, the Vice Chancellor has approved a 10-hour daily electricity supply on campus as follows: Day time: 8 am – 2 pm; Night time: 10 pm-2 am. Kindly adhere to the approved schedule,” the memo read.
In a voice clip obtained by our correspondent, the Students’ Union President, Aweda Bolaji, condemned the recent policies implemented by the university management as “not satisfactory” and described them as “an inconsiderate action.”
Bolaji stated, “The injustice that has been meted upon us as students of the University of Ibadan is getting too much. The university cannot ration electricity in this 21st century. On this basis, if you are a student, come out and join us as we protest peacefully against the injustice we face.”
The protest highlights the growing discontent among students regarding the administration’s policies and calls for immediate resolution to ensure a conducive learning environment.
Credit: Punchng