Students of Adamawa State Polytechnic in Yola staged a protest on Monday over days of blackout and lack of water. Both male and female students from the hostels on the main campus expressed their frustration, having endured these conditions for over a week. They criticized the lack of power and water and also complained about the difficulty in accessing the school management to voice their concerns.
The students, carrying sticks and green leaves, gathered in front of the main gate of the polytechnic, which is situated along the main road connecting Jimeta and Yola Town. While the protest briefly disrupted traffic and saw some students throwing stones, prompting police to use tear gas, it remained largely peaceful with no reports of injuries or damage to school property by press time.
Some students, speaking anonymously, suggested that while the lack of electricity and water triggered the protest, there were other underlying issues contributing to their grievances.
The protesting students at Adamawa State Polytechnic highlighted a significant disconnect with the school management, pointing out that the lack of a Students Union Government (SUG) has left them without representation to voice their concerns. In addition to the prolonged blackout and water shortage, they criticized the poor living conditions in the hostels, citing inadequate furnishings, a lack of fans, and insufficient toilet facilities.
The Polytechnic’s Rector, Professor Mohammed Toungos, who had to temporarily leave the campus during the protest, mentioned in a phone conversation that he would be meeting with other management officials to determine the next steps before providing a full response.
Interestingly, electricity was restored to the main campus around 11 a.m. on Monday, just as the students were beginning to calm down.
