ON THE ISSUE OF POWER OUTAGE

 

By; AFỌLÁBÍ E. Simisólá

Amidst the sprawling campus of the University of Ibadan, where knowledge seeks to illuminate minds, an unforeseen challenge shadows the academic journey of its students—the persistent and disruptive issue of power outages. This ongoing predicament has become a stark reality for the denizens of this academic hub, leaving them grappling with frustrations that extend beyond the typical rigors of university life.

Ola, a seasoned 400-level student, embodies the collective exasperation as she recounts her daily tribulations. "It's a blackout again, arghh!" she exclaims, frustration evident in her voice. Having spent the entire morning in lecture halls, returning to her room should have signalled a shift to a more comfortable environment. Yet, the absence of a power supply plunges her back into a realm of inconvenience and challenges. As the semester unfolds, Ola reflects on the uphill battle that has characterized her academic journey, with power outages only exacerbating the stress.

A mere five to six years ago, the University of Ibadan revelled in the luxury of a constant power supply within its confines. This era, as recalled by students and staff alike, painted a picture of a thriving academic community where the availability of electricity was not just a convenience but a fundamental aspect of daily life. Every resident, whether student or staff, reaped the benefits of an environment where the phrase "lights out" held no sway.

Speaking to a dedicated staff member, a beacon of hope emerges as he asserts that the university is diligently working to restore this once-endearing period. Assurances are made about the institution's commitment to the welfare of its students, urging patience and understanding. Yet, scepticism lingers among Queenites, as they question the duration of this endurance test.

Another 400-level student, reflecting on the stark contrast between the past and the present, reminisces about the ease of life during her first year. "I remember when I was in 100 level, life was much easier," she muses. "I would go for classes and come back to a room bathed in light without any interruption. Gone are the good days." The sentiment of nostalgia underscores the profound impact of the power outage issue on the quality of student life.

The recent bout of inconsistent power supply has been a recurring theme, with the resumption of the semester marked by a disconcerting streak of blackouts and fluctuating electricity. Last week, a segment of the campus community endured a blackout that persisted for over 24 hours, amplifying the frustration among students already grappling with the demands of academia.

Curiously, even within the confines of the blackout, a peculiar disparity emerged. In one part of the hall—specifically, I Block—an uninterrupted power supply prevailed, while the remainder of the hall plunged into darkness. Adebisi, a Queenite residing in the affected block, expressed a mix of bewilderment and envy. "Since when did I Block start enjoying more light than the rest of the blocks? I'm really jealous," she remarked, encapsulating the irony of the situation.

Diving deeper into the intricate web of challenges wrought by inconsistent power, a 200-level student from I Block highlighted a crucial aspect often overlooked—the inability to pump water. In the daily life of a student, access to water is as vital as light, if not more so. This practical perspective sheds light on the multifaceted impact of the power outage, extending beyond the inconvenience of studying in the dark.

As the academic calendar progresses, the heat of back-to-back sessions of academic work intensifies. Departments conduct tests, and final-year students find themselves engrossed in project work. The stability provided by a consistent power supply becomes a lifeline for the average student navigating the demands of academia.

Timi, expressing the prevailing sentiments, articulates the collective worry: "If there is no power supply during normal school days, what will happen during exams?" The anxiety inherent in this rhetorical question resonates with every student grappling with the uncertainty of how the power crisis might escalate during critical moments of academic evaluation.

In the intricate tapestry of university life, light transcends its conventional role of illumination. It becomes a symbol of stability, a facilitator of learning, and a harbinger of normalcy in an environment fraught with challenges. The sentiment echoed by Timi, "School is harder than I thought," encapsulates the prevailing mood, as students find themselves navigating not only the complexities of their chosen disciplines but also the unpredictability of basic utilities.

In conclusion, the University of Ibadan finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with a power outage issue that transcends inconvenience, impacting the very essence of the academic experience. The nostalgia for the days of constant power supply underscores the significance of this challenge. While the university asserts its commitment to resolving the issue, the road ahead remains uncertain for Queenites who yearn for a return to the days when a flick of a switch guaranteed the comforting glow of light in their academic endeavours. The pressing need for a sustainable solution cannot be overstated, as the university community awaits a restoration of normalcy and a return to the days when the phrase "lights out" held no power over their pursuits of knowledge.