UNIBEN Students Protest Lack Of Water And Power, Block Lagos-Benin Expressway [Video]

Students from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) at the Ugbowo campus staged a protest on Wednesday along the busy Ugbowo-Lagos Expressway.

It was gathered that the students were protesting against persistent power outages and the lack of water supply in their hostels.

The university reportedly faced blackout due to a disagreement with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company over electricity billing.

The institution expressed concern over a significant increase in its monthly electricity bill, rising from N80 million to N280 million. As a result, the university had to rely on alternative generators and manage power use across its campuses.

The protest began early in the morning with students carrying placards and chanting slogans as they blocked the Lagos-Benin highway.

The students demanded that the university management urgently restore public electricity and water supply to the campus hostels. They also voiced frustration over recent fare hikes for the campus shuttle bus service.

A student, John complained that having only one hour of electricity daily was inadequate and hindered their ability to study effectively. He emphasized the need for the university to address the issue promptly.

John said, “We only have one hour of electricity every day since this issue started. We are tired of studying in the dark.

“We need electricity to read and prepare for our exams. The university management needs to take responsibility and fix this issue.”

Sarah, another student protester, expressed determination to continue the protest until the university management took action.

“We will not leave the highway until something is done. We can’t afford to fail our exams because of the university’s negligence,” she said.

The protest caused disruptions for commuters and drivers like Osas, who lamented financial losses due to the blockade.

Osas said, “If I knew this was going to happen, I wouldn’t ply this route because It has caused me to lose income and I may not be able to reach my target for the day.

“I hope the management of the school will address the students protest so that this situation can be brought to an ended. Many people are also stranded and they will not be able to go to work or their places of business.”

An angry commuter, who refused to disclose his name said, “I’m supposed to be at work right now, but I’ve been stuck here for hours. I understand the students’ plight, but they need to find a better way to protest.”

Despite rain, the students remained steadfast in their protest until their grievances were addressed.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer, Benedicta Ehanire said there is ongoing discussions within the Senate to resolve the situation.

Watch the video below:

Happening now in Uniben.
Belike e go soon set.#ENDAPCNOW pic.twitter.com/ohcozFUUao

— Osaro PhD, Csu. (@OfficiaEdoOsasB) July 3, 2024

Big 2024 and we’re still having light issues in Uniben. A month to exams and we don’t have light and you expect students to come and write exams, hostelites can’t even get water to have their bath or cook. #Giveuslight#uniben #peacefulprotest pic.twitter.com/k6yrFZzY4u

— ALFONSO_𝕏💜🍀 (@00315_X) July 3, 2024

KanyiDaily had reported how UNIBEN students harassed and beaten up a Nigerian soldier who assaulted one of their female colleagues at an ATM booth on campus.