The University of Ibadan students have launched a protest to voice their dissatisfaction with the scheduled 10 hours of electricity supply on campus and an increase in tuition fees.
The protest began late on Tuesday and has persisted into Wednesday, with students displaying placards at the university gate.
Earlier, an internal memo from O.A. Adetolu, Director of the Works and Maintenance Department, instructed the Chief Engineer (Electrical) to ration electricity, limiting it to 10 hours daily for students.
The memo reads: “Effective immediately, the Vice Chancellor has approved a 10-hour daily electricity supply on campus as follows. Daytime: 8 am – 2 pm, Nighttime: 10 pm – 2 am. Kindly adhere to the approved schedule.”
The Students’ Union President, Aweda Bolaji, remarked that the management’s recent measures were unpleasant and insensitive.
He stated, “The injustice inflicted on us as University of Ibadan students has become excruciating. In the twenty-first century, the institution cannot limit students’ access to energy. On this basis, if you are a student, please join us in a nonviolent protest against the injustices perpetrated by both the dismal government and the unconscionable management.”
Bolaji, in a statement, also demanded the reversal of the new electricity schedule and the tuition increment.
“There will be neither lectures nor transportation within the school premises on 17th July 2024. The mass action will continue on 17th July 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 mobilisation effort.
“The school authorities, in association with maintenance, must withdraw the memo on electricity rationing dated 16th July 2024. Additionally, there must be a constant power supply within the school effective immediately.
“There must be a total reversal of all fees, not just a reduction. Those who have paid must be refunded. The Students’ Union condemns the ongoing victimisation of three students of the University of Ibadan: Aduwo Ayodele, Olamide Gbadegesin, and Nice Linus, who embarked on a peaceful protest on 13th May 2024, and calls for an end to their victimisation,” Bolaji said.