"ONE DAY ON, ONE DAY OFF": POOR POWER SUPPLY SPARKS FRUSTRATION UNDER DILIGENT REGIME

By Akangbe Nadrat

The much-anticipated promise of a better student experience appears to be facing a major challenge as poor electricity supply continues to affect students under the Diligent Regime.

The inconsistent electricity supply, coupled with what has been described as a night-time subscription arrangement with the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), has left undergraduates struggling to carry out basic daily activities.

For students, electricity is not simply a convenience. It is essential to academic life and everyday living. The frequent power outages make it difficult for students to charge their phones, laptops, power banks and other electronic devices needed for communication, research and academic activities.

The situation also has a direct impact on water supply. When electricity is unavailable, pumping and distributing water becomes difficult, leaving students to cope with inadequate access to water for bathing, cooking, cleaning and other basic needs.

Beyond academics, the persistent power outage compromises students' welfare. Many students depend on electricity to study at night, especially those who have lectures, assignments, practicals and other academic responsibilities during the day. The erratic power supply can therefore make an already demanding academic schedule more difficult.

The situation raises questions about the sustainability of the current electricity arrangement and the measures being taken to provide students with a more reliable system. While power supply is affected by factors beyond the control of the student leadership, students understandably expect their representatives to communicate their concerns, engage relevant authorities and advocate for practical solutions.

The Diligent Regime now faces an important test: whether it can effectively respond to one of the everyday challenges affecting students' welfare.

Students are not asking for luxury. They are asking for the basic necessities that allow them to live, study and function effectively. Electricity, water and access to charging facilities are fundamental to student life, and the continuing instability demands urgent attention.