- Says students must not be allowed to go on rampage over problem
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised alarm over months of electric power outage in Kaduna State University (KASU), crippling activities in the state owned institution, including inability to commence examination in many departments and faculties.
The alarm was raised in a statement jointly signed by ASUU-KASU chairman Comrade Peter Adamu and secretary Comrade Peter Waziri on Thursday.
While urging the government to intervene to stop the issue from degenerating further, the union said the management must not allow students go on rampage before they make attempt to contain the problem.
“Kaduna State University is currently experiencing a total system collapse as a result of prolonged power (electricity) outage running into months.
“The situation has gone from intermittent and epileptic power supply to a total blackout ranging from seven months for the Kafanchan Campus, to about one month for the Main Campus.
“This precarious situation has opened up a vista of thought provoking discussions amongst staff on the one hand, and students on the other.
“In all of these discussions, the indicators portend imminent academic stagnation and dangerous ends. There is a feeling of pessimism, hopelessness, despair, despondency and dissent premonition that if the Management of the University do not double their efforts, the end to this ugly situation may not be palatable.
“In line of this situation, and as partners in the progress of the University, ASUU KASU have engaged the management and those concerned on this issue informally but cannot afford to remain mute and ignore its moral responsibility at this point in time.
“We call on the government of Kaduna State to intervene swiftly to salvage the situation. Let it be placed on record that as we make this statement, the hostels are in a miserable condition without light and water.
“Examinations could not commence in many departments and faculties on Monday 30th October, 2023 as earlier scheduled. Of course there was no power to print examination questions and other necessary sundry activities that require power. No one could have done any magic to salvage the already deteriorated situation.
“Consequently, office work has become homework as staff of KASU are forced to carry out research from home where they are sure of electricity supply. This debilitating working condition for staff and students has ultimately resulted to low productivity.
“As a Union that cares about the working conditions of members (staff), living condition and study atmosphere of students, we must provide leadership in calling a spade a spade and work towards ensuring the restoration of power in the University.
“It is sad that the system has been subjected to such ridicule and we foresee a huge embarrassment should the Management relent in their efforts. This portend danger and the University’s progress recorded over the years might gravitate towards retrogression.
“Management must not allow students go on rampage before they make attempt to contain the problem. This in our opinion would be more embarrassing to the University. The doom that lies ahead can be averted if Management selflessly addresses the matter promptly.
“The Visitor to the University should promptly step into the matter with a view to preventing a further degeneration as a stitch in time saves nine.
“The Union’s position once again is for the State Government to hasten its policy review which will see a return of autonomy to the University. This in our view will reduce the bureaucracy that hampers the seeming effective and smooth running of the University,” the statement said.
