For students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Uli, Anambra State, life after sunset is a battle against fear and uncertainty. Years of total blackout have left the institution in darkness, turning what should be a center of learning into a place of anxiety and insecurity. Despite Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s recent promise to restore electricity to the campus, students say nothing has changed.
The absence of power supply has done more than disrupt academic activities—it has heightened the risk of attacks by unknown gunmen who operate under the cover of darkness. Many students now live in perpetual fear, retreating indoors as night falls, uncertain of what lurks in the shadows.
Joseph, a student of the institution, narrated the distress they endure daily. “Once the sun sets, our joy turns to sorrow because we know what follows—darkness and fear. We were hopeful when the governor visited and assured us of electricity, but till now, nothing has been done. If the government is serious, it wouldn’t take them more than a month to fix this problem.”
He questioned why a state university should struggle with something as fundamental as electricity. “This is our state university, yet it lacks the basic amenities to function properly. Some of us are studying courses that require constant electricity. How can computer science students, for instance, cope without power? It’s frustrating.”
For many students, the situation is not just about education but survival. A female student, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the financial strain of living without electricity. “I have a lantern, but buying kerosene every week is a huge burden. We cannot continue like this. If the government is unwilling to help, let them allow us to contribute and install solar energy. We need solutions, not empty promises.”
Beyond the inconvenience, the absence of electricity has turned the campus into a hotspot for criminal activities. With no streetlights or power in hostels, students remain vulnerable to attacks. “At night, some areas become completely unsafe. We’ve had cases where gunmen take over certain spots, and students have to flee for safety. If there was light, things would be different,” another student lamented.
Human rights activist and National Chairman of the Human Development Rights Association (HDRA), Comrade Jude Achebe, expressed dismay at the power situation in the university. “It is shocking that in this age, a state university still operates without electricity. How can students who need power for their coursework graduate without the necessary skills? The future of these students is at stake.”
Achebe also questioned the government’s sincerity regarding the issue. “I was informed that Governor Soludo personally visited the school about a month ago and assured the students that power would be restored. But what has happened since then? Nothing. Darkness encourages crime, but light drives it away. If the government truly cares about these students, they should act now.”
The frustration among students is growing, and many feel abandoned. “We come from homes where electricity is a given, yet here we are, in a state university, living like it’s the stone age,” another student noted. “We demand that the governor keeps his word and gives us light. Education should not be a struggle.”
While students continue to grapple with the harsh reality of life in darkness, the call for urgent action grows louder. The message is clear: Governor Soludo must fulfill his pledge and restore power to the institution without further delay. The future of COOU students depends on it.
As one student aptly put it, “We are not asking for luxury. We are only asking for what should already be in place. Give us electricity, give us security, and let us learn in peace.”
