By Students of the University of Ibadan have once again come out in large numbers to protest what they describe as a total blackout and lack of water supply across the campus.
Developments show a steady buildup following a warning demonstration yesterday, on May 5 at the administrative office of the Vice Chancellor, Tekena Tamuno Building.
Earlier today, students declared a peaceful demonstration to express their grievances. Groups were seen moving from one faculty to another, urging that no classes should hold as a way to strengthen solidarity.
In an interview, Sodiq Hameed, a 400 level student of Communication and Language Arts, explained that power supply on campus has been poor for some time. He added that despite increases in school fees and accommodation costs, electricity has continued to deteriorate, especially in the halls of residence.
” We have expectations after the increment, like we should have a better light in the hall, but things has been very bad lately” he said.
Sodiq further noted that his hall of residence, Independence Hall, rarely gets up to four hours of electricity daily. He added that in the past month, the situation has worsened into near total blackout. He linked the situation partly to the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) strike but insisted that poor power supply has been ongoing even before the strike began.
He also revealed that other aspects of campus life have been severely affected. According to him, the absence of hostel porters has resulted in a complete lack of water supply since the strike started. He said some hostel gates have been locked, while the university health facility, Jaja Clinic, has also been shut down. He cited at least two emergency cases where students had to be taken to The University Teaching Hospital (UCH) instead.
”Gates are being locked, some class room are locked and some opened, Jaja which is the health facility of the university is being locked which is causing a direct threat to the life of students” Sodiq stated.
He added that the situation is particularly difficult as the university approaches examination period, with tests already ongoing. Charging devices and studying effectively have become major challenges.
”Now we cannot charge our gadget, and this is week nine, and if you are student of this university you will understand how rigorous this period can be” he said.
David Adebayo, a 300 level student of the Department of History, also confirmed the situation. He stated that both electricity and water supply have been unavailable in his hall, noting that the last power supply was on Sunday, May 3.
”We have not had light since Sunday afternoon and we have not had water, I had to go to Kuti Hall from Azikiwe Hall to take my bath just to go for a test” he said.
Speaking with Afriktimes, the Student Union President, Temidayo Adeboye, described the action as a demonstration rather than a protest. He acknowledged that students have been severely affected by the lack of electricity and the closure of the university clinic.
He attributed the situation to the ongoing NASU strike and said that while students stand in solidarity with the union, the strike has caused significant hardship. He added that the demonstration is aimed at restoring order ahead of the examination period and emphasized that the solution lies in a resolution between the federal government and the striking union.
”The headway is to ensure that, we have a resolution from the federal government and also to ensure that we are not left in the dark” he said
As at the time of filing this report, the Student Union President had not provided any concrete steps toward addressing the issues. The university management has also not released any official statement. Meanwhile, students have called for an impromptu congress to decide their next course of action.
