Despite the connection to power grid by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) few days ago, blackout has persisted on (Ugbowo and Ekehuan) Campuses of the institution after connecting to Electricity grid, TheNewspad investigation reveals.
Pressure is mounting on both the Management of University and BEDC by parents, depressed students and other Stakeholders over what could be the possibly responsible for the blackout in the school.
Few weeks ago, the University was shut down indefinitely after students protest over power rationing and other issues of concerns by the University’s Senate.
A senior staff of the University said, “The school has been connected by BEDC. What they keep telling us is they will soon come and switch it on”.
“Initially, they said we should pay for one of the transformers on Campus”. That story has being on since the past two weeks”, he said.
TheNewspad could not immediately verify if there are outstanding liability the University’s Management is yet-to settle with BEDC that could have caused a temporary setback in restoring power supply.
Last week, University of Benin Governing Board met to find amicable solution to resolve persistent students unrest, arising from over 200 per cent electricity tariff (N300m monthly Bill) hike by BEDC.
The tariff hike is putting a huge financial burden on the administration of the University, which had previously protested and rejected the outrageous electricity Bill that resulted to power cut by the company.
The Board also celebrated on the modalities that have been put in place ahead of the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor by the federal Government, ahead of the tenure of Prof. Lilian Salami, the Vice Chancellor’s tenure on December 1st 2024.
With the Post University Territory Matriculations
Examinations (Post UTME) around the corner, the dwindling revenue of the ivory tower, has become a major concern to the Vice Chancellor of University of Benin, who seems to have learnt valuable lessons over the past four years on the saddle of leadership.
Without conceding, the Management of the University seems determined to avert impending disruption of academic Calendar, ahead of the forthcoming Matriculation and Convocation Ceremonies in the institution.
Besides, the call for one week warning strike SSANU/NASU both non-academic Staff Unions of all Public Universities in Nigeria over agitations bothering on improve workers welfare.
A University source however assured that the dark moment will become history soon, assuring that the University’s Management has started creating levellers through boundless innovation towards resolving the contentious issues.
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