The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has introduced stringent new measures aimed at curbing student protests and managing campus utilities more effectively.
This decision comes in the wake of a month-long closure due to student demonstrations over power outages.
In a recent circular, the university announced that all students will be required to sign an affidavit of undertaking to adhere to new regulations concerning both their conduct and the use of electricity on campus.
The circular, issued on August 7, 2024, and signed by the university’s Registrar, A.A. Bobola, outlined several key changes.
Starting from August 11, students will be allowed to return to their dormitories, and classes will resume on August 12.
However, before they can access their residences or attend lectures, they must sign an affidavit agreeing to abide by the university’s new rules.
“The Senate of the University of Benin reviewed the circumstances leading to the recent closure and decided on these new measures to prevent future disruptions,” said Bobola.
“Students must now swear to an Affidavit of Undertaking to be of good conduct and adhere to specific regulations regarding electricity use and campus demonstrations.”
The affidavit mandates that students:
- Agree to abide by the university’s guidelines for electricity supply, distribution, and utilization.
- Pay all outstanding school charges, as eligibility for examinations will now be strictly tied to proof of payment.
- Refrain from bringing prohibited appliances into the Halls of Residence.
- Avoid participating in or sponsoring unauthorized assemblies or demonstrations on campus.
The university’s decision to enforce these regulations follows a series of protests triggered by ongoing power outages and the rising cost of transportation services.
Students had previously blocked the Benin-Ore Highway in frustration over the university’s electricity problems, which were exacerbated by a dispute with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) over billing.
“The protests were a result of frustrations over power outages that severely impacted students’ academic preparations,” noted Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, the university’s Public Relations Officer.
“The decision to close the university was taken because the students refused to compromise on their demands, which affected the academic and administrative functions of the institution.”
The university had been forced to close on July 4, 2024, after students staged a series of demonstrations against the persistent power issues.
During the closure, the management addressed several concerns, including electricity and water supply issues, and the renovation of Halls of Residence.
The university has also faced a significant increase in its electricity bill, which reportedly surged from about N80 million to between N200 and N280 million. This escalation led to power rationing and reliance on generators.
The new regulations aim to ensure that such disruptions do not recur and that the university can better manage its resources.
The affidavit also reflects a broader strategy to stabilize campus life and avoid further conflicts.
“This measure is not just about managing power issues but also about maintaining order and ensuring that all students adhere to the university’s regulations,” said Bobola.
“By requiring students to sign this affidavit, we are taking proactive steps to prevent unauthorized assemblies and ensure a conducive learning environment.”
The university has indicated that any student who fails to comply with the new requirements will face consequences, including the withholding of academic results.
“Students must complete the affidavit process within two weeks of resumption, and results will not be released to those who do not comply by the end of the academic session,” the circular stated.
The university’s recent actions highlight the challenges educational institutions face in managing student activism and infrastructure issues while maintaining academic continuity.
As UNIBEN prepares to reopen, it remains to be seen how effectively these new regulations will address the underlying issues and restore normalcy on campus.