Uchechukwu Nnaike
Students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Thursday shunned lectures and other academic activities to protest the epileptic power and water supply to their hostels.
The students, who barricaded the university gate to prevent entrance into and exit from the main campus, regretted that availability of water and power had reached an all-time low, and with the first semester examination scheduled to begin on April 18, there is need to urgently address the matter once and for all.
THISDAY learnt that the students started the protest on Wednesday and continued yesterday because they did not get any promise of addressing the situation by the management.
One of the protesters who preferred anonymity, said it was been difficult for them to get water for their basic needs, adding that the problem had persisted for a number of days.
Another 300-level female student said: “The situation has been bad since the beginning of this semester in January. That is when they started sharing it: bring it in the morning and take it in the evening. It is worse now.” She said the power went off at 4:30a.m. yesterday and it was restored at the time of filing in this report.
In a statement, the Public Relations Officer of the Students’ Union, Miss Jumai AF, said the decision to embark on an “epic” protest was a part of the resolutions reached by the students in a meeting held on Wednesday.
“Sequel to the disrespect and continuous evasive methods the school management has adopted over time, now is the time to act. We need water. We want judicious supply of power! Sodeinde Hall must be opened.
“We resolved that there will be no tests, no labs, no field work. Yes, nothing academic; that all students, who have our collective welfare at heart, should converge at the Amphitheatre within the Students’ Union compound for the Season 02 of this epic aluta movement.”
Determined to get a favourable response from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rahamon Ade Bello, the protesters later gathered at the Senate Building, where they resolved to wait for the management to address them. They also threatened to continue the protest today if their plight is not addressed.
When contacted, the Deputy Registrar (Information), Mr. Toyin Adebule, said the management would look into the matter and that its decision would be communicated to the press soon.
