Protest hits Ibadan over electricity rationing

University of Ibadan students have taken to the streets to voice their discontent and protest against the limited 10-hour daily electricity supply on campus and the recent increase in tuition fees.

The demonstration began on Tuesday evening and has carried over into Wednesday, with students gathering at the university’s main entrance, holding placards and signs to express their grievances and demands.

According to an internal memorandum issued on Tuesday by O.A Adetolu, Director of the Works and Maintenance Department, the Chief Engineer (Electrical) was instructed to implement a rationing plan that would limit electricity supply to students to a maximum of 10 hours per day.

The memo reads, “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 students’ union president, Aweda Bolaji, in a voice clip obtained by our correspondent, stated that the recent policies by the management were not satisfactory and an inconsiderate action.

He said,” The injustice that has been melted upon us as students of the University of Ibadan is getting too much. The university cannot ration electricity to students in this 21st century. On this basis, if you are a student, join students massively as we demonstrate peacefully against the injustice that is being melted by both the miserable government and unconscionable management.”

In a statement, Bolaji called for the immediate reversal of the recently introduced electricity rationing schedule and the hike in tuition fees, urging the university administration to reconsider its decision and restore the previous arrangements.

“There will be neither lecture nor transportation within the school premises on the 17th of July, 2024. The Mass action will continue on July 17 starting from 5 am. The Union officials will make available all union resources, including the Aluta Jet and Public Address System, and the Student Union officials must be present to join the mobilization effort towards this.

“The School authority in association with maintenance must withdraw the memo on electricity rationing, dated 16th of July, 2024, and in addition, there must be constant power supply within the school effective immediately.

“There must be a total reversal of all fees and not a reduction. Those who have paid must be refunded The Students’ Union condemns the ongoing victimization of three Students of the University of lbadan; Aduwo Ayodele, Olamide Gbadegesin and Nice Linus, who embarked on a peaceful protest on the 13th of May 2024 and such, call for an end to the victimization,” Bolaji said.