UNIBEN Students Protest Over Power Outage for more than a Month

Students from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) took to the Benin-Lagos express reoad to protest the persistent power outage that have plagued their campus for over a month. The demonstration, however, has sparked heated debate and contrasting viewpoints.

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The initial comment that ignited the controversy came from a Nigerian observer who labeled the students' protest as "the height of hypocrisy." According to this perspective, the students should have directed their grievances towards the Vice-Chancellor's office rather than disrupting traffic and damaging public property. The underlying issue, it seems, is the university's outstanding electricity bills owed to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

In response, a student challenged this viewpoint, questioning the effectiveness of protesting within the confines of the university. "And mounting the VC office would do what? What effect will it have?" they asked, emphasizing the urgency of their demands. The students argued that administrative officers have consistently ignored their pleas, leaving them with no choice but to a larger stage- one that resonates with the entire state.

Another student also responded, countering the accusation of hypocrisy. "The VC and all administrative officers have jettisoned our peas," they stated. "Perhaps now that the entire state is aware and suffering alongside us, the university authorities will finally listen to the pleas of other Nigerians."

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"Uncle, are you attending the school?" another student asked the original critic. "Do you know how many times they have met with the VC? And nothing has been done. It's been two months and counting, with no electricity in school hostels. How do you expect them to study for exams?"