From Joseph Adahnu, Yola
The students of Adamawa State Polytechnic have embarked on a peaceful protest over power failure, water scarcity.
The State Polytechnic is situated at one of major streets of the capital of Adamawa State, Yola, at Aminu Galadima way, where students who were seen carrying sticks and green leaves, also complained of lack of access to the management to lay their complaints.
The students took over the front of the main gate of the polytechnic which lies by the major road linking Jimeta, headquarters of Yola North LGA, with Yola Town, headquarters of Yola South LGA.
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Some students who decided to comment on condition of anonymity, indicated that although electricity and water constituted the immediate cause of the protest, there were other issues.
They added that they have almost zero relationship with management as there is no Students Union Government (SUG) and so no students’ representatives to speak on their behalf.
The students said apart from lack of power and water which made life on campus difficult, the hostels are poorly furnished with insufficient fans and toilet facilities.
Speaking to Journalists, Rector of the Institution, Professor Mohammed Toungos, blamed the situation on high cost of energy, adding that the cost of both electricity and diesel have gone beyond the roof.
Toungos noted that, “Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) worsened the situation as they came up with an outrageous bill asking the management. The management solicited for the understanding of the company to make part payment which YEDC refused to honour and disconnected the school from the power source.
“Considering the importance of water, the management bought diesel to power the College borehole while mobilising funds to pay the bill but the water got exhausted over the weekend which sparked the protest.”
Toungo noted that the management has already sourced for funds and has effected the payment and light has been restored to the satisfaction of the students and all is peaceful now.
