Adamawa state poly students protest over blackout, water scarcity

On Monday, September 2, students of Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola (SPY) staged a protest over the lack of electricity and water on the main campus. The protest, which began in the early hours of the morning, involved both male and female students from the hostels who took to the streets near the institution’s main gate. Their actions caused significant disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic along the typically busy Jimeta-Yola road.

The students, visibly frustrated, voiced their grievances over the unavailability of electricity and water for more than a week. Wielding sticks and carrying green leaves, they expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of response from the institution’s management to their concerns. The students also highlighted that they were not allowed to form a student union, which left them without an official channel to voice their grievances. The student affairs office reportedly ignored their complaints, further fueling their frustration.

Throughout the protest, the students maintained a non-violent stance, with no injuries or damage to school facilities reported as of midday on Monday.

The Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Mohammed Toungos, was seen near the main gate during the protest. Under the protection of officers from the Nigeria Police, he remained on the scene until tensions began to escalate, prompting a swift exit.

Efforts to address the students’ grievances appeared to be underway, as electricity was restored to the main campus during the protest. Security personnel were also observed working to pacify the students and restore calm. When contacted by phone, the Rector mentioned plans to meet with other management officials and suggested he might address the media following their discussions.

Camaa Tv