UI students protest 10-hour electricity rationing, tuition hike

Students of the University of Ibadan, on Wednesday, staged a protest to express their grievances following the schedule of a 10-hour electricity supply on campus and a hike in tuition by the university management.

Edugist gathered that the students were provoked by the announced 10-hour power supply, incessant tuition, and introduction of what they termed “outrageous fees” by the authorities.

The protest started in the late hours of Tuesday and continued on Wednesday with the students carrying placards at the front of the university gate.

Our correspondent learnt that an internal memo addressed to the Chief Engineer (Electrical), by the Director of Works and Maintenance Department, O.A Adetolu, that electricity should be rationed and made available to students for 10 hours daily was issued on Tuesday.

 “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, described the recent policies by the management as “not satisfactory” and termed them “an inconsiderate action.”

He said,” The injustice that has been meted 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 being meted out by both the miserable government and unconscionable management.”

Bolaji in a statement later also sought the reversal of the new electricity schedule and tuition increment.

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

 “The school authority in association with maintenance must withdraw the memo on electricity rationing, dated July 16, 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 victimisation of three students of the University of lbadan; Aduwo Ayodele, Olamide Gbadegesin and Nice Linus, who embarked on a peaceful protest on May 13, 2024, and as such, call for an end to the victimisation,” Bolaji said.