University of Ibadan students protest 10-hour electricity rationing and tuition hike. Explore their grievances and the ongoing situation.
On Wednesday, protesting students from the University of Ibadan voiced their dissatisfaction with the university management’s decision to provide only 10 hours of electricity supply on campus and increase tuition fees.
The announcement of a 10-hour power supply, constant tuition fees, and what the authorities labeled as “excessive fees,” provoked the students.
Beginning in the late hours of Tuesday, the protest persisted through Wednesday as students brandished placards at the forefront of the university gate.
On Tuesday, a memo was sent by O.A. Adetolu, the Director of Works and Maintenance Department to the Chief Engineer (Electrical), instructing that electricity be limited and allotted for 10 hours daily exclusively for students, as per our correspondent’s sources.
Starting now, there will be electricity supply on campus for a duration of 10 hours daily. The Vice Chancellor has sanctioned the following timings: From eight in the morning until two in the afternoon (daytime) and from ten at night to two each daybreak (night time). Please comply with this approved schedule.
In a recorded statement obtained by our correspondent, Aweda Bolaji – the President of the Students’ Union – expressed dissatisfaction with recent policies implemented by management and referred to them as “inconsiderate actions.”
“The unfair treatment we, as students of the University of Ibadan, have been receiving is becoming unbearable,” he expressed. “In this day and age, it’s unacceptable for electricity to be deliberately restricted from us. Therefore, all fellow students are encouraged to come together and participate in peaceful protests against both the heartless management team and pitiful government.”
Later, Bolaji also requested the reversal of both the new electricity schedule and tuition increment in a statement.
On July 17, 2024, there will be no lectures or transportation on the school grounds. The mass protest that began previously shall persist from 5 am onwards. Union officials are responsible for providing all our assets such as the Aluta Jet and Public Address System; furthermore, Student Union Officials must attend to participate in leading this mobilization endeavor.
Effective immediately, the school authority and maintenance team are required to retract the memo regarding electricity rationing dated July 16th, 2024. Furthermore, there should be a consistent supply of power within the facility.
A complete reversal of all fees must be made, rather than a reduction. Those who have already paid should receive refunds.
Bolaji stated that the Students’ Union denounces the continuous mistreatment of Aduwo Ayodele, Olamide Gbadegesin and Nice Linus – three students from University of lbadan who participated in a peaceful demonstration on May 13th, 2024. Consequently, they demand an immediate halt to their victimisation.
