By Shehu Uthman
Following the prolonged power outage that plunged the entire Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) main campus into horrible darkness, students found themselves in a difficult and frustrating situation. They've endured unbearable challenges stemming from the persistent blackout, which of course, has made every chance to study increasingly discouraging.
Despite raising concerns through a series of press reports alongside pleading with other authorities in charge, no action or timely intervention has been pledged to that effect. This further costs students to spend hundreds of naira daily just to keep their phones, laptops, and other essential gadgets functioning. It also added too many difficulties to their academic struggle, especially given the fact that most students find it convenient to read at night.
Until recently, light has been restored across the campus which renewed the lost hope of students reawakening their spirit to get focused again. The restoration of the light has brought relief, comfort, and renewed hope to thousands of students who had long awaited this development. It is therefore only fitting to appreciate the university management for the efforts made in bringing these unbearable challenges to an end.
Meanwhile, the insinuation among some people that the school press, particularly campus journalists, are always quick to criticize shortcomings while remaining blind to achievements and positive developments. Such a view suggests that students and journalists are often uncontented, focusing only on what authorities fail to provide while ignoring what they accomplish.
However, I do strongly dispute that insinuation owing to the fact it only has the tendency to downplay the role of the press.
While, of course, as campus journalists, we are expected to see both sides of every issue, we commend where commendation is due and criticize where criticism becomes necessary. And for the record, our responsibility is not merely to point out faults but to serve as the watchdogs of society and the voice of those whose concerns might otherwise go unheard. Speaking the truth, whether pleasant or unpleasant, remains part of that duty.
In this respect, I am using this opportunity to sincerely commend the University management for making the restoration of electricity possible. I also acknowledge everyone who, in one way or another, contributed to this achievement—particularly the Students' Union executives, campus journalists, and other concerned individuals who continuously engaged with the authorities and drew attention to the challenges students were experiencing.
There are undoubtedly many others whose efforts may not be publicly known, yet whose contributions played a significant role in achieving this result. May Allah reward all of them abundantly.
The joy that has accompanied the restoration of electricity is visible across the campus. Students who once spent considerable amounts of money charging phones, powering laptops, and taking clothes to commercial ironing centres can now channel those resources into meeting other pressing needs. What was once a daily burden has become a thing of the past.
The excitement among students is difficult to miss. Walk through the hostels and you will see students charging their devices, ironing their clothes, and carrying out activities that had become unnecessarily stressful during the blackout period. The return of electricity has restored a sense of normalcy, comfort, and peace to student life.
Beyond convenience, this development has improved the welfare of ordinary students. It has reduced financial pressure, eased academic challenges, and created a more conducive environment for learning and personal development. Indeed, the restoration of electricity has brought a renewed sense of tranquility to the campus community.
It is against this backdrop that I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the University management. This gesture has not gone unnoticed, and it has positively impacted the lives of countless students.
To the school authorities, we say: thank you.
May Allah continue to guide your affairs, bless your efforts, and grant you the wisdom and resources to continue making decisions that improve the welfare of students. Your intervention has brought smiles to many faces, and for that, we remain genuinely grateful.