12/08/2026
We shouted “NEPA!” when the light came on. And that should worry us.
I was in class on this very day. We were having a normal lecture when the light suddenly came on, and a few of my coursemates shouted, “NEPA!”
The lecture was interrupted for a moment because everyone was excited.
And honestly, it was funny… but when I thought about it afterwards, it really wasn’t funny.
There were only about two functioning bulbs out of the several bulbs in the classroom, yet we were genuinely excited that there was light.
Light.
Something that is supposed to be normal. Something we shouldn’t have to negotiate for, celebrate, or feel lucky to experience.
Yet here we were, in the middle of a lecture, excited because electricity had come on.
And that moment reminded me of the reality of many Nigerian students.
It is heartbreaking how basic necessities have gradually become luxuries for so many of us. Things that should simply be part of our everyday lives have become things we celebrate whenever they show up.
And just to be clear, this is not me saying there is no light in FUTO. There is light in FUTO almost 24/7. But there are also departments and classrooms where the necessary arrangements have not been made to ensure students have access to electricity during lectures.
So it made me wonder:
When will we get to the point where electricity is so normal that we no longer gasp, shout, or celebrate when the lights come on?
When will the things we currently consider “luxuries” become ordinary parts of life?
And perhaps the bigger question is…
What kind of reality are we leaving for the next generation?
Because a country where students celebrate electricity in a classroom is a country that needs to ask itself some very serious questions.
Maybe one day, “NEPA!” will no longer be an expression of excitement.
Maybe it will simply be electricity doing what electricity is supposed to do — being there.
But I want to hear from you:
How does it feel being a student without regular electricity?
Do you currently have 24/7 light where you stay as a student, or is electricity still something you have to plan your day around?
Tell me your experience in the comments. 👇🏽
