The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has threatened to rusticate any student caught using hot plates, ring boilers and gas cookers in its hostels.
A circular banning the use of such appliances in the institution’s hostels was signed by its Registrar, Ademola Bobola, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
It was learnt that the institution’s management took the hardline stance to cut increasing energy costs.
The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) had raised UNIBEN’s monthly billing to N250 million from N88 million and disconnected two campuses of the university, which contested the over 100 percent increase.
The resulting drop in electricity supply on campus fuelled a protest by students on July 3, which forced the university senate to close the institution to avoid breakdown of law and order.
The school reopened on Monday, August 12.
In the circular announced upon reopening, the Registrar directed students to comply with management’s arrangements for the supply, distribution and utilisation of electricity on its campuses.
The registrar further directed the students to pay up their outstanding levies the school gave them, saying any student with no evidence of payment would not be allowed into the exam halls.
“Payment of outstanding school charges with evidence upon resumption will serve as eligibility for examination and will henceforth be strictly monitored to ensure compliance.
“Students would also be expected not to involve themselves in any unruly conduct that is against the rules and regulations of the University.
“They are to be of good conduct and not to sponsor or participate in any unauthorised assembly or demonstration within the precincts of the university,” Bobola said.
