Twitter Storm As UNIBEN Students Block Benin-Ore Highway Over Power Outage (Video)

Students from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) took to the streets on Wednesday, blocking the busy Benin-Ore Highway to protest against persistent power outages on their campus.

These outages have significantly affected their preparations for the upcoming first semester examinations, which are just two weeks away, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.

The protest was triggered by a prolonged power cut that commenced following a deadlock between the university and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) over an escalated electricity bill.

The dispute arose when BEDC purportedly increased the university’s monthly electricity charges by over 200%, pushing the bill up from about N80 million to between N200 million and N280 million. This situation compelled the university to resort to using generators and implementing electricity rationing across its campuses and hostels.

John Afolabi, one of the protesting students, expressed frustration: “We have only been getting one hour of electricity daily since this issue began. We are tired of studying in the dark. We need electricity to study and prepare for our exams. The university management must take responsibility and resolve this matter.”

Early in the morning, students began their protest by carrying placards and chanting slogans while blocking the highway. Sarah Osaigbovo, a 300-level student from the Ugbowo campus, emphasized their determination: “We will not disperse until something is done. We cannot afford to fail our exams because of the university’s negligence.”

The demonstration caused significant disruption to traffic flow, leaving many commuters stranded and unable to reach their destinations. One frustrated commuter remarked, “I should be at work by now, but I’ve been stuck here for hours. I understand the students’ plight, but they need to find a more effective way to protest.”

Despite adverse weather conditions, the students remained steadfast in their protest, showing their frustration and desperation amidst their academic responsibilities and the lack of essential services.

Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, the Public Relations Officer of UNIBEN, confirmed ongoing efforts by the university Senate to address the issue. “The management is aware of the students’ concerns and is actively seeking a lasting solution to the power outage,” she assured.

The ongoing protest underscores the critical need for dependable infrastructure in educational institutions. Beyond disrupting academic activities, the power outage raises broader questions about governance and service delivery.

Below are some reactions gathered by GWG.ng:
@Richeey001: With the way people are angry, I pray Kenya do not happen in Nigeria.
It will be heavier than Endsars.
Because people will also include the anger of 2023 elections.
MR FOWOSERE

@espeezeal: Omo, uniben no be school again, especially ekpoma
Nothing them dey fear for that state.

@salihu_bamle: So, innocent people going about their businesses should be punished for something they’re possibly going through too at home and workplaces.

@lettersby_sam: God please protect your kids risking their lives because the school thinks it unnecessary that students should have power in their hostels.

@Tunex01: They remained resolute in the face of intimidation. The earlier the school admin listens to them, the better

@otakerioghenero: They need to pay attention to the students before it get out of hand.

@imbamiodunlami: Too much trouble everywhere

@JackofAllTales: What s happening here?

@ozeAir_:I think this should be about the power outage in the school

@comediandaniboy: What exactly is going on at uniben

@iam_akhidue: The students are protesting power outage, high cost of intra school transportation and high cost of food within the school as well as a fence that fell in one of the campuses. The vice chancellor was interviewed this morning & she said the issues are being addressed.

@56Yungeagle: See the way those soldiers are charging at unarmed protesters, if no cameras were there, it would have been a different story

@lekan224: The time is coming when we all as one go dey stop una one by one all you politicians make una no worry

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