The management of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Edo State has prohibited the use of hot plates, ring boilers, and gas cookers in its hostels to cut increasing energy-related expenditures by the institution.

This was contained in a circular issued by UNIBEN Registrar, Ademola Bobola, a copy of which was obtained on Sunday, August 11, 2024.

The university stated that any violator of the prohibition order on hot plates and others would be rusticated from the institution.

The prohibition order was not unconnected with the electricity crisis that hit the university recently.

The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) raised the monthly billing of UNIBEN to N250 million from N88 million.

The contentious billing led to the disconnection of the two campuses of the university by the BEDC authorities.

The development later led to a protest by the students on July 3, after weeks of power outage and supply of electricity from generating sets.

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The protest forced the Senate of the university to close it down to forestall the breakdown of law and order.

But in the circular announcing the university’s reopening on Monday, August 12, Bobola said students must abide by the management’s emplaced arrangements for the supply, distribution, and utilisation of electricity on its campuses.

The registrar directed the students to pay up their outstanding levies UNIBEN gave them, saying any student with no evidence of payment would not be allowed into the examination halls.

He noted: “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.”

The Star