By: Abdulrasaq Kamaldeen
In the dimly lit confines of Bakassi Hostel (Block A), Salim Mukhtar, a 200-level Veterinary Medicine student, wears a constant expression of forlorn and discontent. His struggle with a persistent lack of light in his room since last semester has transformed his school hostel experience into a living nightmare.
For him, the initial motive behind choosing hostel life remains unfulfilled—casting a shadow over his academic journey.
Salim finds solace under a tree at night by escaping the oppressive heat in his room. His reliance on a phone torch has become a nightly ritual—essential for navigating the pervasive darkness within the hostel.
“We are always clad in garments that seem tailored to save us from all-night mosquito bites. More than 15-20 rooms have endured a lack of light since last semester after damage to the power source of the rooms.
“Several complaints hit the Maintenance’s office, where we urged for the restoration, but it all went in vain. Last semester, we were hopefully assured that the light will be restored,” he remarked.
Our Phones, Gadgets not Safe at Night—Residents Raise Concerns
Speaking on the prevailing conditions, Kabiru Abdulkarim, a -200-level Agriculture student, voiced the shared frustrations of the occupants. “As everyone knows, light is among the social amenities that are valuable. Most places we charge our phones and accessories are unsecured. Suffering has become habitual for us.”
Abdulkarim went on to pinpoint the root cause of their plight, stating, “The problem is that our fuse box got burnt. Since then, we haven’t seen light. We have complained, and we were promised that it will be repaired, but till now, there are no changes to hope for.”
Another Bakassi resident is Ismail Muhammad, a 100-level Political Science student with a sympathetic expression, conveying his frustration with the ongoing situation.
“I feel disheartened by this constant issue. Last semester, we endured heat, and now, without electricity, I can’t even use a fan or cover myself properly with my torn garment.”
“We are forced by this situation to carry our devices to other rooms for charging— putting them at risk. Despite reporting this to the hostel maintenance multiple times, he insists he submitted a complaint to the school, but there has been no response.”
Hostel Porter Attributes Power Outage to Students’ Knowledge
In an interview with the hostel porter, it was asserted that residents of the hostel are well aware of the reasons behind the ongoing power outage affecting certain rooms.
The porter stated, “Those who are expected to be informed are knowledgeable about the factors causing the lack of light in their respective rooms. And students also understand everything.”
SU CTC Chairman Reacts
Engaging with the CTC chairman, Abdullahi Sanusi, shed light on the ongoing efforts to rectify the situation. Chairman Sanusi reassured residents, saying, “In our commitment to resolve the issue, concerted efforts are being made to restore the light in Bakassi and other affected blocks, by the grace of Allah.”