Students Stage Protest Over 5-Month Campus Blackout in kaduna

In an act of protest, Kaduna State University (KASU) students have voiced their concerns over a prolonged five-month power outage at the Kafanchan campus.

Their demand is clear: the restoration of electricity or a potential boycott of upcoming second-semester exams.

The power supply to the Kafanchan campus was disconnected due to the university’s inability to settle accumulated electricity bills, prompting students to take to the streets with placards bearing messages like “Bring back light to KASU,” “No light, no exams,” and “Light up Kafanchan Campus and restore our light.”

Eli Sajo, the vice president of the Kaduna State Student’s Union (KADSSU), expressed the students’ frustration, emphasizing that they have endured total darkness for nearly a full academic session. Despite numerous letters from the student union to the university’s management, power restoration remains elusive.

Sajo pointed out that the prolonged power outage is adversely affecting their exam preparations. The alternative electricity sources provided by the institution are deemed unsustainable. Thus, Sajo urged school authorities to address the issue before exams scheduled for October 30 or face a potential student boycott.

He stated, “For almost a full session, students have endured the challenges of being in total darkness. We have written several letters, but to no avail. We cannot continue learning in an unconducive environment.

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. This has significantly impacted our studies and, to some extent, our academic performance.”

In response to the protest, Ibrahim Sodangi, the provost of the Kafanchan campus, assured students that their concerns have been duly noted and will be resolved.

He commended the students for their peaceful demonstration and encouraged them to engage in further dialogue to address their grievances adequately.