Unending Blackout: Students Lament Persistent Power Outages on Campus

Esther Ilori

Last semester, students on campus faced a significant challenge: the instability of the power supply. This issue caused widespread dissatisfaction, particularly during the exam period when access to electricity became crucial for academic activities. From powering laptops and phones to charging power banks, students heavily relied on electricity to access study materials, conduct research, and prepare for exams. Unfortunately, the erratic power supply hindered their preparations and caused frustration across the student body.

During the power outages, students were forced to find alternative means to charge their gadgets. Access Bank was one of the most popular options, where students flocked to charge their devices. However, the bank’s facilities were often overcrowded, with long queues of students desperate to charge their phones, power banks, and laptops. This large population of students seeking charging solutions underscored the urgent need for a stable power supply on campus.

The interruptions in electricity supply led to numerous complaints, with students voicing their frustrations about the impact on their academic performance and day-to-day activities. Many shared how the lack of electricity disrupted their ability to study effectively, increasing their stress levels during an already challenging period.

To better understand the students’ experiences, we spoke with several individuals who shared their struggles and how they have adjusted to the improved situation this semester.

Oluwabukunmi Ayoola described last semester’s power outage as “a terrible experience.” She recounted searching for places to charge her phone, laptop, and power bank, which became an exhausting routine. “I have lots of materials stored on my phone that I need to read,” she said, emphasizing how the outages directly affected her academic preparation. Now, with the improved power supply, Oluwabukunmi expressed her joy. “The restoration of electricity has been a relief, and I hope it continues this way,” she added, hopeful for consistent power throughout the semester.

Another student, Grace Obilonu, shared her displeasure with the unstable electricity last semester, particularly during the exam period. “It was not easy for me,” she lamented. Grace explained that her phone battery was not strong enough to last long, making it difficult for her to access study materials and conduct research. “If I could charge, my phone would be down again within a short period, and it would take days to find a chance to charge it again,” she explained. Now that the power supply has improved, Grace is relieved. “I can use my phone for a longer period and do my research. I hope it stays this way during the exams.”

Oluwasegun Ojo also shared his thoughts, expressing gratitude for the improved power supply this semester. “I feel good now that the electricity is stable,” he said. However, he emphasized that last semester’s challenges left a lasting impression. “I’m not just appreciative of the change; the school management still has a lot of work to do to ensure stability,” he added.

This semester has brought the introduction of a scheduled power supply system on campus, which provides students with a predictable framework for managing their electricity needs. While this development does not signify a full improvement in power availability, it has drawn attention to the ongoing challenges with electricity on campus. Many students, especially those who rely heavily on stable power for academic activities, have found it necessary to adjust their schedules to align with the designated supply hours. 

This situation underscores the need for a more sustainable solution, as the limitations of the current system highlight the gap between predictability and true adequacy. As the semester unfolds, students are left hoping that the school management will prioritize a long-term plan to ensure consistent and uninterrupted access to electricity, addressing a pressing need that directly impacts their academic experience.