Abdulrasaq Kamaldeen reports
In a moment of relief and joy, the residents of Kwankwosiyah (Kano Hall) female hostel at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), rejoiced over the restoration of electricity after enduring nearly a month of darkness.
The restoration of power on Thursday, September 7th, 2023, brought smiles and comfort to the faces of the hostel’s inhabitants.
Yusuf Olamide Monsurat, a dedicated 300-level Biochemistry student, expressed her elation at the return of electricity.
She said, “I was very happy. But I wasn’t surprised though because they said they would not repair it until the resumption is near. And it wasn’t easy at all going from one hostel to another to charge phones and fans.” She further detailed the difficulties they faced during the blackout, including the discomfort of heat and a sense of insecurity in the dark.”
Speaking with The News Digest press, Musodiq Barokah, majoring in Education and English language, echoed these sentiments.
The 300-level student emphasized the challenges of living without electricity, which forced them to rely on neighboring hostels for charging and endure the sweltering heat.
“We suffer from heat since we don’t have electricity, not to mention switching on the fan,” she said.
Also, another Kwankwosiya occupant who craved anonymity, expressed her joy over the restoration of electricity.
She said, “First of all, it felt like a surprise when I saw the light. Words outside the hostel are that the school would help to restore the light, but there was no stipulated day or time. So when I saw the light, I was so grateful and happy.” She also mentioned the chaotic situation during the blackout but appreciated the support of her fellow residents.
“It was like hell and very chaotic for me, but I was glad of the people that surrounded me. Immediately there was light, they’d call me to charge—I was still glad I got a charge and that none of my properties were stolen.”
SU CTC Reacts
In an interview with the chairman of the Students Union Caretaker Committee, Abdullahi Sanusi, he shared his journey in resolving the electricity difficulty–nothing that the residents of Kwankwosiyah hostel have been battling with the challenge before his appointment.
The issue of blackout in Kwankwosiyah hostel has been existing before my appointment and Alhamdulilah it got resolved after I engaged with the university’s maintenance officers and ultimately the Deputy Dean and the Dean of Student Affairs which resulted in the successful restoration of electricity.”
“There was water, Since there was light in other hostels I guess the school management was able to pump water for us, although it wasn’t enough, but we were grateful.”