How Ogun Students Battle Blackouts, Rely on Solar Streetlights to Study for Exams
Source: https://franktalknow.com/
The lack of reliable electricity is a major challenge for students at institutions like Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic in Ijebu-Igbo, where many rely on solar-powered streetlights, lanterns, and candles to study. Without consistent power, students often gather in outdoor locations, like sidewalks and charging centers, to prepare for exams. For these students, the faint light from solar streetlights is their primary source of illumination for late-night study sessions.
Students in Ogun State, Nigeria, face significant challenges due to frequent blackouts, which force them to study under solar-powered streetlights or make-shift lighting from candles and lanterns. At institutions like Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, and Tai Solarin University of Education, students often gather in outdoor locations, such as street corners or hostels, to study for exams. In addition to difficulties in keeping devices charged, the lack of reliable power disrupts students’ ability to focus and prepare for coursework, leading to emotional and mental stress.
Lecturers and health experts highlight the negative effects of studying under poor lighting, which can strain eyes, increase the risk of health issues from candle use, and hinder academic performance. Despite these struggles, students show resilience, using rechargeable lamps or pooling resources for generators. The Ogun State Commissioner for Education acknowledged the power issues but downplayed their impact on higher education institutions.
The power shortages affecting students are a nationwide issue, impacting both communities and tertiary institutions, as students often live outside campus areas. Ogun State’s Education Commissioner, Abayomi Arigbabu, acknowledged the challenges but assured that the government is working on solutions.
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) attributed the poor power supply to low allocations from the national grid and widespread vandalism of infrastructure. IBEDC spokesperson Busolami Tunwase stated that efforts are being made to address these issues, including collaborations with independent power producers and enhanced security to combat vandalism.
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