By our reporter
Bayero University, Kano has announced a ban on the charging of privately owned electric motorcycles and other electric vehicles within the campus. The directive, which took effect immediately, covers all students and staff who own e-bikes, scooters, and similar devices. According to the university management, the decision was made in the interest of safety and infrastructure stability.
The notice was circulated through departmental notice boards and the university’s official communication channels. Management said the ban applies to hostels, offices, lecture halls, and all other university buildings. Charging points previously used informally by students will no longer be permitted for electric bikes and vehicles. Violators risk having their devices confiscated by campus security.
University officials cited fire hazards as the primary reason for the ban. Over the past few months, there have been growing concerns about overloaded sockets, substandard chargers, and the risk of electrical fires in densely populated hostels. With thousands of students living on campus, officials said even one incident could put lives and property at risk.
Another factor mentioned was pressure on the campus power supply. BUK has been working to stabilize electricity for academic activities, laboratories, and essential services. Management noted that the simultaneous charging of multiple high-capacity e-bike batteries was adding strain to an already stretched system, especially during peak hours.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among students. Many e-bike owners said they bought the bikes to cut down on transport costs within the large campus. For them, the ban means they will now have to push their bikes or pay for commercial transport. Some students argued that designated charging stations with proper safety checks would have been a better solution than a total ban.
Staff members and parents have largely welcomed the decision. In conversations on campus, several staff said they were worried about unattended charging overnight in hostels. Parents also expressed relief, saying the university was right to prioritize safety over convenience. The Students’ Union is reportedly seeking a meeting with management to discuss possible alternatives.
The university said it is not banning the use of electric bikes on campus roads, only the charging of them within university facilities. Owners can still ride their bikes but will need to charge them outside the campus at approved commercial charging points. Security personnel have been instructed to enforce the rule and educate students on the new policy.
For now, BUK says the ban will remain in place until a comprehensive policy on electric vehicle use is developed. The university added that it is studying models from other institutions to see if safe, regulated charging hubs can be created in the future. Until then, students have been advised to comply to avoid sanctions and to help keep the campus safe.
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