The recent protests by students at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) over poor electricity supply have brought to light the growing frustrations within Nigerian tertiary institutions regarding inadequate infrastructure and rising costs. This post delves into the background, causes, and implications of the FUTO students’ protest, situating it within a broader national context of student activism against power rationing and fee hikes.
Background of the FUTO Students’ Protest
In early 2025, students at FUTO staged a protest primarily driven by erratic and insufficient electricity supply on campus. The power issues have severely disrupted academic activities, especially with examinations approaching. The protest was notably led by female hostel occupants who highlighted the urgency of reliable power for study and daily living.
This unrest echoes similar protests across Nigerian universities, where students have repeatedly voiced their discontent over power rationing policies. For example, the University of Ibadan (UI) students protested a university directive limiting electricity supply to 10 hours daily, demanding a reversal of this rationing and a rollback of recent fee hikes. Likewise, students at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) blocked a major highway to protest prolonged power outages, which were linked to disputes over sharply increased electricity tariffs.
Causes of the Protest
The immediate trigger for the FUTO protest was the persistent power failures that have made it difficult for students to study effectively, especially with exams near. The problem is compounded by the fact that many Nigerian universities face escalating electricity bills due to tariff hikes by electricity distribution companies. For instance, UNIBEN faced a 200% increase in electricity tariffs, which led to power disconnections and subsequent student protests.
At FUTO, the students’ grievances are not isolated. They reflect a systemic issue where universities struggle to maintain consistent power supply due to financial constraints and infrastructural deficits. The government’s recent increase in electricity tariffs—from N68 to N206 per kilowatt for high-usage customers—has further strained university budgets, resulting in rationed power and service interruptions.
Students’ Demands and Responses
FUTO students, like their counterparts at other universities, are demanding:
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Restoration of constant and reliable electricity supply on campus.
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Reversal of any policies or memos enforcing power rationing.
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Reconsideration or rollback of recent tuition and fee hikes.
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An end to victimization of students involved in protests.
The Students’ Union at UI, for example, explicitly called for the withdrawal of the electricity rationing memo and demanded constant power supply effective immediately. They also demanded refunds for fees already paid under the new fee regime.
University managements have been slow to respond effectively, often caught between financial realities and student demands. At UI, the spokesperson had not responded to inquiries at the time of reporting. At UNIBEN, the administration shut down the university temporarily after students blocked a highway in protest.
Broader Context of Student Activism in Nigeria
The FUTO protest is part of a wider wave of student activism triggered by deteriorating campus infrastructure and rising costs of education. Similar protests have occurred in other institutions, including Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), where students protested delayed results and fee increases, leading to the dissolution of student union executives by management.
Historically, FUTO itself has witnessed student activism. In 2017, students protested tuition fee hikes, resulting in expulsions that were later reversed after court action and university senate decisions. This history underscores a persistent pattern of tension between students and university authorities over governance and welfare issues.
Implications and the Way Forward
The ongoing power crises and resultant protests highlight critical challenges facing Nigerian universities:
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Infrastructure Deficits: Universities need sustainable power solutions, such as investments in renewable energy or partnerships with power providers, to reduce reliance on erratic grid supply.
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Financial Constraints: Rising electricity tariffs and fee hikes place additional burdens on students and institutions, necessitating government intervention and subsidy frameworks.
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Student Engagement: Universities must improve communication and involve students in decision-making processes to avoid escalations.
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Policy Reforms: There is a need for coherent national policies on education funding and utilities provision to safeguard academic activities.
Without addressing these core issues, protests like those at FUTO and other universities are likely to continue, disrupting academic calendars and affecting the quality of education.
Conclusion
The FUTO students’ protest over poor electricity supply is a significant indicator of the infrastructural and financial challenges confronting Nigerian universities. It reflects a broader national crisis where students demand not just better power but also fairer educational policies and respect for their rights. For sustainable solutions, collaboration among university management, government, electricity providers, and students is essential to ensure campuses are conducive for learning and growth.
This situation remains dynamic, with students poised to escalate actions if their demands are unmet. The government and university authorities must act swiftly to restore power and address the underlying issues fueling student unrest.
