Finding savings in managing household appliances is commonplace. Each of us wants to keep our electricity bills as low as possible. However, experts point out that we should not unplug all devices.

What should not be unplugged?

Refrigerators and freezers must be plugged in at all times to perform their primary function of keeping food at the right temperature. Disconnecting them from the power supply, even for a short time, causes the temperature inside the appliance to rise, which causes food to spoil. In the case of freezers, defrosted food can pose a health risk if re-frozen.

Security systems, such as burglar alarms and surveillance cameras, must be connected to power 24/7. Disconnecting them causes a break in operation, which can allow for break-ins or other threats that are not detected in time. Many modern security systems have backup batteries installed, but they are designed to keep devices active for a short period of time.

Smart thermostats manage the heating and cooling systems in our homes. By being constantly connected to the power supply, they monitor the temperature in the rooms, adjust it to our preferences and save energy. Disconnecting a smart thermostat from the power supply can cause the heating or cooling system to stop working properly, which increases energy consumption.

Medical devices, such as oxygen therapy machines, must be connected to a power source at all times. Disconnecting them from the power supply can have serious, even tragic, consequences. In the event of frequent power outages, it is worth considering equipping the household with additional power generators, such as home generators.

Repeated power outages or deliberate, frequent disconnection of some devices from the power supply can negatively affect their proper functioning. The list of such devices includes inkjet printers, OLED TVs and routers.

Aisha Sani Maikudi, the acting vice-chancellor (VC) of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), says the school management is working to improve security on its campus.

Lately, there have been reports of purporting abduction attempts targeted at some members of the institution.

Addressing the situation in a statement on Friday, Maikudi described the reports as “baseless”.

She urged the UniAbuja students and members of staff to remain calm and continue with their regular activities.

Maikudi, however, said the school management had engaged the Nigerian military and some other security agencies to patrol the school campus.

She also urged the members of the institution to be vigilant and security conscious henceforth.

“It has come to my attention that rumours are circulating on social media concerning insecurity issues around the campus. Though baseless, we take all security issues very seriously,” the statement reads in part.

“In light of this, I encourage everyone to remain calm and go about their daily activities as usual.

“I ask that we all continue to be vigilant and security conscious, as has become the norm for us all. Your safety is our priority, and we must remain alert but not alarmed.

“Additionally, you may observe security personnel and vehicles on campus in the coming days. Please note that this is part of a routine security procedure aimed at strengthening our overall security architecture.

“These movements are conducted periodically, not only with the military but also with other security agencies, to ensure the continued safety and well-being of everyone within the University.

“We deeply appreciate your cooperation and understanding in maintaining a secure and safe learning environment for all.”

A Nigerian lecturer, Dr Nsikak Akpan is currently on a quest to break the Guinness World Record, GWR, for the longest lecture.

Akpan was permitted by the GWR to break the existing longest lecture currently held by an Indian Professor, Arvin Mishra who lectured for 139 hours 52 minutes 42 seconds lecture in 2014.

The Provost of Foreign Links College started the quest on Monday, September 23 inside the school campus, Moro, Ife-North local government, and as of the time of filing this report Wednesday afternoon, has lectured for 54 hours.

The Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, alumni is delivering a lecture on, “the relationship between man’s environment and health”, with students of the school sitting as audience.

He is set to complete the task on Sunday, September 29, 2024, by 5 pm.

When completed, he would be the first Nigerian lecturer to complete such a task.

According to him, the quest is aimed at giving back to the academic environment as he attempts to tell the world about the consequences of abusing the environment on man.