By: Luqman Kamaldeen Oladayo
It’s almost a year since light lost its ray at Benji hostel. None of the occupants expected its return and has adapted to the life they live in the unending darkness. Students had kept spending exorbitantly on ironing, worked a great mile to fetch water and had slept around the classrooms just to get their gadgets charged.
However, the night of Wednesday 28th January, 2026 was like other dark nights at Benji when the light came at the time no students expected it—no alarm, no prior notice and no spark of what the night had for them.
The light struck Abdullah, a 200 level Arabic student, as a surprise as at the time he least expected it. He was just lying on his bed when his room eventually got brightened.
“My challenges with power outages are beyond imagination as I went through a series of adventures because of it,” he said.
He shared his toil during the 2025 Ramadan fasting when he and some of his roommates had no other options than to disperse outside in the midnight in search of water in order to cook.
He recounted how charging in overpopulated classrooms and congested mosques on campus resulted in great inconvenience and eventually led to losing their phones to the hands of thieves.
The difficulties that came with having to buy and fill gas at a costly amount when he had an electric cooker, in addition, stood at the heart of what he suffered for during the outage.
Moshood, a law student on the other hand, found it surprising after months of beholding light from other hostels afar while they were still in the darkness.
“You will think Benji is a paradise as everyone rejoices,” he said.
He stated that since his almost two years at Benji hostel, he has never witnessed a stable and reliable light for a month. His greatest fear lies in the sudden outage of the light just as history of Benji has always been narrated.
He recounted his main challenge to be charging his gadgets that affected not just his station as a student but also his academic performances and engagements.
Muhammad, a 200 level law student, gives thanks to the Almighty Allah for his mercy upon the occupants of benji.
While recounting his experiences, he remembered the time he was in 100 level when they first gave them light at benji and the way it stopped coming before they enjoyed it at all.
“Since then, we have not seen light again until this time,” he said.
His experience showed how Paramount light is for students. He identified that about 70% of the student residents at Benji hostels moved out due to lack of water and electricity. The likes of him who had no option but to remain in Benji decided to endure.
“The Almighty showed us that, truly, after hardship comes ease,” he concluded.
Interview with the Caretaker of Benji Hostel,
While speaking with a Pen Press UDUS, Mr. Mubarak , the caretaker of Benji hostel described the recent installation of electricity as a long-needed improvement for students. He explained how access to light has improved safety within the hostel and made it easier for students to read and study at night. “Light is something students should not have to struggle for,” he said, adding that the hostel now feels more comfortable and functional.
He also observed that the general atmosphere in the hostel has changed since electricity was restored, students now move around with more confidence at night and appear less tense as the presence of light is helping them focus on their studies and daily activities.
Mr. Mubarak Could Relate to Students’ Suffering in Benji
Reflecting on the months without electricity, the caretaker acknowledged that the period was challenging. He spoke of security concerns, difficulty with night reading, hygiene issues, and the emotional strain students experienced, explaining that the impact went beyond academics to students’ wellbeing.
“When there is no light, everything becomes difficult,” he said.
Addressing students who remain hopeful but cautious,
The evident mass leaving of occupants after the end of 2024/2025 academic session for other nearby hostels was obvious. Those who decided to stay still fear perpetual unreliable electricity supply. The caretaker admitted that their concerns are understandable as these students have seen similar efforts fail before. However, he maintained that there is now stronger commitment and closer monitoring of the system and added that steps are being taken to ensure the power supply is properly managed and maintained.
He further opined how stable electricity would gradually improve academic performance, reduce stress and improve security while contributing to a healthier living environment and well being.
Sustainability is Promised
The caretaker emphasized shared responsibility. Measures such as supervision of the system, controlled usage, and timely maintenance are already put in place, but cooperation from students is also essential.
“Electricity lasts longer when it is used responsibly. This development is a positive step forward which must be collectively sustained to make Benji a better place for all,” he remarked.
He explained that the new power arrangement differs from previous ones that were largely temporary. This time, he said, the installation was more structured and planned with sustainability in mind.
“It is not just a short-term fix but a deliberate effort to provide more consistent power,” he promised.
He conclusively described the restoration of light as a positive step forward and urged patience, cooperation, and responsibility from everyone in the benji hostel community.