Adamawa Poly Students Shut It Down Over Blackout!

• The Problem: Students have been without electricity for over three months.
• The Protest: Students took to the streets, demanding immediate action.
• The Result: The polytechnic has been shut down for a week.
• The Repercussions: This is the second major protest in a year over poor living conditions.

Blackout Blues: Students Revolt at Adamawa Poly

Imagine trying to study for exams with no light, sweating buckets in the Nigerian heat, and struggling to find water just to bathe. That’s been the reality for students at Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, and they’ve reached their breaking point. On Monday, the campus erupted in protest as students demanded an end to the extended power outage that has plagued the institution for over three months.

The protest started peacefully on campus but soon spilled into the surrounding streets. Students chanted slogans like “We want electricity!” and called on school management and government officials to take urgent action.

Chaos in the Streets: Protest Turns Ugly

Things took a turn for the worse when some protesters clashed with passersby. Law enforcement had to step in to restore order, highlighting the intensity of the situation and the frustration felt by the students.

One student lamented, “Our studies are suffering! It’s our right to have basic amenities like electricity, water, and shelter.” Another added, “We can’t study effectively at night, we can’t sleep properly due to the intense heat, and we have to search for water outside the campus to bathe.” The lack of electricity has not only disrupted their academic lives but also made daily living a nightmare.

School Shuts Down: Management Responds

In response to the uproar, the Acting Registrar of Adamawa State Polytechnic, Simnawa Ayuba, announced the immediate closure of the institution for one week. According to Ayuba, the closure is to allow management to address the issue and restore power. Whether this is a genuine effort to fix the problem or just a way to quell the unrest remains to be seen.

“Sequel to the demonstration by students on the main campus demanding the immediate restoration of power by YEDC, I wish to inform all students that the institution has been closed for one week. This is to enable the management to process the restoration of light,” Ayuba stated.

Deja Vu: A Recurring Problem

This isn’t the first time students have protested over similar issues. Less than a year ago, there was another major demonstration regarding poor living conditions, particularly the lack of electricity and water. These recurring protests point to a systemic problem that needs serious attention.

What’s Next?

As of now, the school administration and the state government have yet to fully address the students’ demands. The one-week closure might provide a temporary respite, but the underlying issues need to be resolved to prevent future disruptions.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops. Will the government step in? Will the students’ demands be met? Only time will tell.

Did You Know?

Power outages are a common issue in Nigeria, often attributed to aging infrastructure, insufficient power generation, and distribution challenges. According to a report by the World Bank, over 40% of Nigerians do not have access to reliable electricity.