The University of Benin management has banned hot plates and boiling rings in its hostels to cut increasing energy-related expenditures.

In a circular on Sunday signed by its registrar, Ademola Bobola, the school said any violator of the ban would be rusticated.

The ban was not unconnected with the recent electricity crisis that hit the university.

The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) raised the monthly billing of the institution to N250 million from N88 million.

Then,  the BEDC disconnected the two campuses of the university.

The development later led to a protest by the students on July 3, after weeks of power outage, forcing the university’s Senate to shut down the school.

But in the circular announcing the university’s reopening on Monday, the authorities said students must abide by the ban for the supply, distribution and utilisation of electricity on its campuses.

The registrar directed the students to pay their outstanding levies, saying any student without evidence of payment would not be allowed into the exam halls.

“Payment of outstanding school charges with evidence upon resumption will serve as eligibility for examination and will henceforth be strictly monitored to ensure compliance. 

“Students would also be expected not to involve themselves in any unruly conduct that is against the rules and regulations of the university.

“They are to be of good conduct and not to sponsor or participate in any unauthorised assembly or demonstration within the precincts of the university,” said the circular.

(NAN)