Students at the University of Ibadan (UI) have launched a protest against the administration’s decision to ration electricity to 10 hours daily and a recent increase in tuition fees. The demonstration began late Tuesday and continued into Wednesday, with students carrying placards in front of the university gate.
An internal memo addressed to the Chief Engineer (Electrical) by O.A. Adetolu, the Director of the Works and Maintenance Department, announced the new electricity schedule, stating, “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 President of the Students’ Union, Aweda Bolaji, voiced the students’ dissatisfaction with the new policies in a statement, calling them inconsiderate and unjust.
“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 us massively as we demonstrate peacefully against the injustice that is being meted out by both the miserable government and unconscionable management,” Bolaji stated.
Bolaji also demanded the reversal of the electricity rationing and tuition fee hike. He announced that no lectures or transportation would take place within the school on July 17, 2024, and the protest would continue from 5 am that day. Union officials would provide resources such as the Aluta Jet and a Public Address System to support the mobilization effort.
“The School authority in association with maintenance must withdraw the memo on electricity rationing, dated July 16, 2024, and there must be a 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,” Bolaji demanded.
The Students’ Union also condemned the ongoing victimization of three students—Aduwo Ayodele, Olamide Gbadegesin, and Nice Linus—who participated in a peaceful protest on May 13, 2024, calling for an end to their persecution.
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