Bauchi University Lifts Ban on Gas Cylinders

The administration of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi State has lifted its previously imposed ban on students using gas cylinders for cooking in hostels.

Prof. Sa’id Umar, the Dean of Students’ Affairs at the university, made this announcement on Sunday during an orientation program for newly admitted students.

He stated that the Students’ Affairs Division, in partnership with the Students Union Government, has already developed guidelines for the use of gas cylinders and the management of hostels by students.

According to him, after reviewing the policy, the university decided to permit only 3kg gas cylinders in accordance with best practices observed in other institutions, and any student found using a larger cylinder will have it confiscated.

Providing guidance on how to respond to fire incidents, Assistant Superintendent of Fire 1, Federal Fire Service, Umar Lawal, revealed that 90 percent of fire outbreaks result from negligence, carelessness, and lack of awareness.

The Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service in the state cautioned students against overloading electrical appliances, emphasizing that doing so increases the likelihood of fire incidents in hostels and other locations.

“Fire safety is essential in every aspect of human activities, and if we can prevent fire outbreak occurrence, we can save our lives, properties, and the environment, we live in for our daily activities.

“Overloading of electrical appliances in hostels is also part of the carelessness because every circuit box has a capacity of current they can carry.

“While you are overloading these electrical appliances, you are increasing the chances of fire outbreaks in that particular hostel,” he said.

Lawal, therefore, advised students to purchase gas cylinders only from authorized dealers or, preferably, from accredited gas stations regulated by the Department of Petroleum Resources.

Additionally, Dr. Aisha Alhassan, the Deputy Dean of Students’ Affairs, informed the media that the university is working on introducing regular sanitation exercises and encouraged students to treat the hostels as their homes by maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.

Delivering a presentation titled ‘Don’t Lose Focus,’ a former Director of Information and Public Relations at the university, Dr. Andee Iheme, urged students to always adhere to the institution’s rules and regulations.

He also encouraged them to strive for academic excellence by seeking guidance and support through the proper channels to ensure their safety and a smooth experience at the university.