Steady Electricity and Student Life in the University.

 

Electricity has remained one of the most persistent challenges in our society, long before many of us in this generation were born. Sadly, instead of witnessing lasting improvement, many students have simply grown used to irregular power supply as though it were a normal condition of life. Yet, it is not normal. It is a serious problem that affects businesses, workplaces, families, and, very significantly, students living and learning in university communities.

For a university student, electricity is not merely a convenience; it is part of the foundation for effective learning. Academic life today depends heavily on technology. Reading materials are often stored on phones, tablets, and laptops. Assignments are typed and submitted online. Research frequently requires internet access, digital libraries, and laboratory equipment. When electricity is unstable, all of these are disrupted.

A student may be in the middle of studying for an examination or completing an assignment, only for a sudden outage to interrupt concentration and productivity. In some cases, important work may even be lost.

The absence of steady electricity also creates financial and emotional burdens. Voltage fluctuations can damage devices such as chargers, phones, and laptops, leading to expenses many students can hardly afford. Beyond this, poor power supply increases stress and frustration. Students are forced to constantly plan their lives around electricity, often staying awake late into the night simply because power returned at an inconvenient hour. This is not only exhausting but unhealthy. Practical learning also suffers, especially in courses that depend on laboratories, equipment, or computer-based instruction.

On the other hand, the benefits of a more stable power supply would be enormous. Even if electricity were available for about twenty hours daily, students would be far more productive and grateful. Study sessions would be more consistent, devices would remain charged, access to online resources would improve, and the learning environment would become safer and more comfortable. Students would also be better at being able to manage their time without constantly worrying about when power might disappear.

While students may not be able to solve the national electricity crisis on their own, some achievable steps can still help. School authorities should invest in alternative campus power systems such as solar lighting/diesel engine generator for hostels, libraries, and reading spaces.

Schools can also create designated charging and study centres with backup power. At the same time, students should adopt practical coping habits such as saving work frequently, using power banks, and planning study schedules wisely.

Ultimately, electricity should not be treated as a luxury in the university; it is an academic necessity. A serious learning environment deserves a serious commitment to power supply.

®Ahmed Salim Jn ✍️ 

#Uloko