Tensions reached a boiling point on Monday as students of Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, staged a massive protest, locking all entrances to the institution over a crippling week-long power and water outage.
The students, chanting solidarity songs and waving placards, brought academic activities to a halt, demanding immediate action from the management and the state government. The outage, which has left lecture halls dark and hostels without water, has plunged the institution into chaos, severely disrupting learning and daily life on campus.
This marks the third protest in just two months, signaling mounting frustration among the students over what they describe as “neglect and indifference” by authorities. Many fear that the continued lack of basic amenities could cripple their academic performance, especially with crucial examinations looming.
“We can’t continue like this,” lamented one student who spoke under condition of anonymity. “It’s been one exhausting week without light or water. Studying has become a nightmare. How are we expected to succeed when the basic facilities are non-existent?”
Another protester echoed similar sentiments, saying, “This isn’t the first time we are protesting, and sadly, it might not be the last if nothing changes. We are tired of empty promises. We deserve a conducive environment to learn and thrive.”
Sources within the institution revealed that the outages have created widespread discomfort, with students struggling to charge their devices, study at night, or even maintain basic hygiene.
Despite the escalating situation, the Polytechnic’s management has yet to issue an official statement, further fueling the students’ anger and distrust. Protesters insist they will not back down until their demands are met, calling for the immediate restoration of power and water, and a comprehensive plan to prevent future occurrences.
The students are also urging Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to intervene personally, accusing the institution’s leadership of gross negligence.
As the standoff continues, uncertainty hangs heavy over the fate of academic activities at Adamawa State Polytechnic — a stark reminder of the broader infrastructural decay plaguing Nigeria’s educational system.
PIONEER NEWS 