"Lights Out": The Struggle of Bambilli Students Amidst Prolonged Power Outage

In the heart of Bambilli, frustration has gripped students residing in Up Quarters and University Street, specifically, as a burnt transformer has cast them into darkness for almost a month. The plight of these students, grappling with the absence of electricity, paints a vivid picture of the challenges they face in pursuing their academic endeavors.

For students living around Mushong, Agric School Street, CCAST Complex, and other localities in Up Quarters and University Street, the experience has been nothing short of exasperating. What initially seemed like regular power cuts, a common occurrence, took a turn for the worse when the residential area was plunged into absolute darkness on the 9th of December, and the situation persists.

Nkeh Kingsley, a student residing on University Street, shares his struggle, having to relocate to a friend's mini-cite at Down Quarters. The absence of electricity has disrupted his ability to follow up on classes, carry out research for assignments, and participate in continuous assessments. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic, stating, "I know electricity will soon return, and things will get better."

Ndam Kenneth, another student in Up Quarters, expresses his frustration, emphasizing the annoying nature of the prolonged power outage. The inability to study in the early hours of the morning, a routine he once followed, has added another layer of difficulty to his academic life.

Lukong Claris, a student residing on University Street, sheds light on the financial toll the power outage has taken. She reveals using almost all of her pocket allowance to print notes, assignments, and pay for device charging. The increased costs, attributed to the reliance on generators due to the power outage, highlight the ripple effects on students' budgets.

The significance of electricity to the academic community, especially students, cannot be understated. The disruption caused by the prolonged power outage emphasizes the urgent need for intervention from the appropriate authorities. Students' ability to excel in their studies, access information, and carry out essential academic tasks is hindered, impacting not only their individual progress but also the overall academic environment.

As we hear the voices of these frustrated students, it is a call to action for the relevant authorities to address the lapses in student residential areas promptly. Restoring electricity is not just about flipping a switch; it's about restoring the pathway to education and creating an environment where students can thrive.