Students at the Kafanchan campus of Kaduna State University in Kaduna State have issued a strong warning that they may boycott their upcoming second-semester examinations if power supply is not promptly restored following an extended blackout.
According to The PUNCH, in a statement released by the first vice president of the KSU Students’ Union, Comrade Eli Sajo, the students’ union leadership expressed their grievances regarding the persistent lack of electricity supply, which has endured for over five months, severely impacting their ability to attend lectures and prepare for exams.
Comrade Eli Sajo, speaking on behalf of various student unions, highlighted that despite numerous letters of protest and promises made to address the issue, the power supply remains unavailable.
The students have faced the challenges of studying in complete darkness for nearly an entire academic session.
The students’ protests included the destruction of their property and belongings by criminals who took advantage of the blackout, posing a significant threat to their safety and well-being.
Sajo emphasized the unsustainable nature of the alternative power supply solutions provided by the school’s management and issued a demand for the immediate restoration of power before October 25.
He said, “Besides negatively affecting our studies, we have had our property and other valuables either stolen or vandalized by hoodlums posing a threat to our safety. That has grossly affected our studies and to some extent, our performances in our academics.”
Students turned out in large numbers for the peaceful protest, holding placards with messages such as ‘Bring Back Light to KASU,’ ‘No Light, No Exams,’ ‘Light Up Kafanchan Campus,’ and ‘Restore Our Light.’
In response to the students’ concerns the KSU Provost for the Kafanchan campus, Prof. Ibrahim Sodangi, acknowledged the issues raised and assured the students that the university’s management was actively working to address them.
Prof. Sodangi mentioned that a list of the university’s requirements had been submitted to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Abdullahi Musa, who was committed to resolving the issues.
However, the shortage of funds has impacted ongoing projects.
He commended the students for their peaceful conduct during the protest and encouraged them to continue engaging in dialogue, providing an opportunity to address their grievances effectively for the benefit of all stakeholders.
