The University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Edo State suspended academic activity indefinitely on Thursday.
Benedicta Ehanire, the university’s spokesman, blamed the stoppage on students’ intransigence.
Students blocked the Benin-Ore Highway on Wednesday to protest weeks of campus power disruptions.
With two weeks until their first semester examinations, students said the power outage was hindering their preparation. They also wanted the UNIBEN shuttle service’s July 1 fee increases lowered.
NAN said that the power outage was caused by a dispute with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company over escalating electricity bills from N80 million to N200 million to N280 million. Universities used generators and rationed electricity on campuses and dorms.
Despite heavy rain, protesting students promised to continue until their demands were realized.
Ehanire told NAN that students’ desire for 24-hour electricity was impossible.
The institution has ceased academic activity indefinitely due to students’ requests for 24-hour electricity and other difficulties, which the institution Senate found unreasonable.
“Students must leave hostels immediately. “The shutdown does not affect non-teaching staff or those on essential duties,” stated Ehanire.
CREDIT: Allschoolabs, ALLSCHOOL
