The management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State, has suspended its earlier ban on the use of gas cylinders for cooking in students’ hostels.
Professor Sa’id Umar, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, announced the decision during the orientation ceremony for newly admitted students on Sunday.
He explained that the Students’ Affairs Division, in collaboration with the Students’ Union Government, had drafted new guidelines on the use of gas cylinders and hostel management.
Following a review of the policy, the university has now permitted the use of only 3kg gas cylinders, in line with best practices at other institutions. Any student found using a larger cylinder will have it confiscated.
Superintendent of Fire I, Federal Fire Service, Umar Lawal, warned that 90 per cent of fire outbreaks result from carelessness, negligence, and ignorance.
The Federal Fire Service’s Public Relations Officer in Bauchi advised students against overloading electrical circuits, as this significantly increases the risk of fire outbreaks in hostels.
‘Fire safety is crucial in all aspects of life. Preventing fires helps protect lives, property, and the environment,’ he said.
‘Every circuit box has a maximum current capacity. Overloading electrical appliances in hostels raises the risk of fire,’ he added.
Lawal further urged students to purchase gas cylinders only from authorised dealers or regulated gas stations under the supervision of the Department of Petroleum Resources.
Deputy Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Aisha Alhassan, disclosed that the university plans to introduce periodic sanitation exercises.
She encouraged students to treat the hostels as their homes and take responsibility for maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
Meanwhile, former Director of Information and Public Relations at the university, Dr Andee Iheme, delivered a presentation titled ‘Don’t Lose Focus’. He advised students to adhere strictly to the university’s rules and regulations.
He also urged them to seek guidance and support through appropriate channels to ensure a safe and successful academic journey.
