The management of the University of Benin has banned the use of hot plates, ring boilers, and gas cookers in its hostels to reduce the university’s rising energy costs.
In a circular signed by Registrar Ademola Bobola, the university warned that any student caught violating the ban would be expelled. The ban is linked to the recent electricity crisis at the university.
The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) increased the university’s monthly electricity bill from N88 million to N250 million, which led to the disconnection of power on both of the university’s campuses. This situation sparked a student protest on July 3, following weeks of power outages and reliance on generators for electricity. The protest prompted the university’s Senate to temporarily close the institution to prevent further unrest.
In the circular announcing the university’s reopening, Bobola emphasized that students must follow the management’s guidelines for electricity usage on campus. He also instructed students to pay their outstanding fees, warning that those without proof of payment would be barred from taking exams.
Bobola added that students are expected to behave appropriately, avoid unruly behavior, and not participate in unauthorized assemblies or demonstrations within the university grounds.
