Babatunde Solanke
The students of University of Ibadan,Wednesday protested the school’s new policy that limits campus electricity supply to just 10 hours a day.
The peaceful protest halted all vehicular movements and transportation systems within the campus.
The institution had introduced a 10-hour daily electricity supply with effect from (Tuesday). The introduction of the new policy was contained in a memo issued by the department of works and maintenance of the institution.
The policy, which took effect onJuly 16, 2024, was announced through a memo from the university’s Department of Works and Maintenance, detailing supply hours from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The embattled students argue that the reduced electricity hours are inadequate for their academic needs, particularly given the absence of alternative power sources on campus.
They pleaded with the school’s administration to reconsider the policy, citing the impact on their studies, such as charging laptops , phones and completing assignments.
The student body is also begging for a reversal of recent tuition hikes, asserting that rising costs should not come alongside restricted access to essential services like electricity.
The students urged the university officials to invest in better infrastructure and renewable energy solutions to provide a more reliable power supply.
Before the protest,the students instructed the cab operators and tricyclists in the institution to stop their operation.
They also blocked the main entrance of the institution as a result of the protest in order to prevent any vehicle from entering or going out of the institution.
The memo, which was dated 16th July 2024, was signed by the Director of Works, Engineer O.A. Adetolu. Adetolu, in the memo, noted that the Vice Chancellor of the institution has approved a 10-hour daily electricity supply on the campus.
The electricity supply for the day will be supplied between 08.am and 02.0m. The supply for the nighttime will be available between 10 pm and 02.am.
The memo tasked the concerned officers to adhere strictly to the new policy.
The letter reads, “Effective immediately, the Vice-Chancellor has approved 10-hour daily electricity supply on Campus as follows: 1. Day Time: 08 a.m. 02 p.m. (6 hours) 2. Night Time: 10 p.m. 02 a.m. (4 hours) Kindly adhere strictly to the approved schedule”.