Life in the UNIBEN hostels can be tough sometimes — limited space, unstable light, and strict hostel rules that make students look for shortcuts just to feel comfortable. One of the most common shortcuts? Sneaking in hotplates, electric kettles, pressing irons, and other contraband items. While it may seem harmless, the truth is that these small acts can lead to big problems — both for individuals and for everyone living in the hostel.
Many students smuggle these items because they want to cook fast noodles, warm food, or press clothes conveniently. But these actions violate hostel regulations designed for safety. When you plug in a high-voltage appliance in a crowded hostel block with outdated wiring, you’re playing with fire — literally. There have been several cases of minor electrical fires, melted sockets, and blackouts caused by excessive power load from hidden hotplates and irons.
Aside from the safety risks, there are serious disciplinary and financial consequences. Students caught with hotplates or other banned electrical items are usually fined heavily — sometimes up to ₦10,000 or more — and in some cases, face eviction from their hostel space. The university management doesn’t take these issues lightly because of the potential danger to hundreds of lives and properties. Even when no fire occurs, consistent rule-breaking damages the electrical infrastructure, leading to frequent outages that affect everyone.
The deeper issue, however, is about responsibility and community awareness. Hostel life is supposed to teach discipline and cooperation, but hiding contraband items undermines that. Instead of risking fines and accidents, students can use the designated cooking areas provided or collaborate with hostel authorities to improve available facilities. If students start voicing their needs through the right platforms — like this very student engagement community — change becomes more possible and safer for everyone.
In the end, a few minutes of convenience isn’t worth the danger or penalty. Safety and responsibility should come first because one careless act can cause losses that no amount of fines can fix.
