Students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have taken to the streets this weekend to protest against prolonged electricity and water shortages at the institution’s Ekheuan Campus in Benin City, Edo State. The demonstration, which began early on Saturday, February 14, 2026, has disrupted normal movement into and out of the campus as students block the main entrance in frustration over basic service failures. 

The protest comes after students reported three days without power or running water, forcing many to endure difficult living conditions in hostels and lecture halls. A student who gave his name as Prosper told journalists that, despite paying school fees and other charges, the university has failed to provide essential amenities, leaving students struggling with everyday tasks like bathing and studying. 

Students gathered at the campus main gate early in the morning, chanting and demanding immediate action from the university authorities. According to witnesses, the protest left not only students but also workers, business owners and visitors stranded at the campus entrance as no one could enter or leave freely. 

One protester described the conditions, saying, “For you to have your bath is like getting gold on this campus,” underscoring how dire the situation has become without reliable water supply or electricity. 

In response to the protest, Professor Adesina Ayinde, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Ekheuan Campus, appeared before the students and acknowledged their concerns. He told the demonstrators that arrangements had been made to deliver water to the campus that day and that efforts were ongoing to resolve the power outage. However, students insisted they would not lift the blockade until water began flowing. 

Information gathered by local journalists indicates that the campus’s only generator has stopped working, and the backup unit previously purchased by former management was moved to the main campus at Ugbowo. The breakdown of these backup systems has left the entire campus without electricity for several days, compounding the already difficult conditions for residents. 

The protest adds to a history of similar demonstrations at UNIBEN over infrastructure challenges. In previous years, students have staged rallies and even blocked major highways to draw attention to water, power and other service shortages on campus. 

Many students say they are tired of repeated failures by the institution to provide basic utilities, especially as they prepare for exams and academic activities that require light and water. Some have pointed to increased fees and charges as reasons they expected better services within the campus. 

While the Deputy Vice-Chancellor attempted to calm the protesters with promises of immediate action, the situation remains tense as students stand firm on their demand for functional amenities before they move. University staff and community members are watching closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution that will restore normal life on campus.

The protest highlights ongoing frustrations faced by tertiary students in Nigeria, who continue to demand better living conditions and accountability from university management especially in federal and public institutions where basic services are expected to be guaranteed.