By Osaro Matthew
The hike in electricity tariff has become a menace to most Nigeria Varsities.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission
(NERC) on April 3, 2024 raised electricity tariff for
customers enjoying 20 hours power supply daily.
Customers in this category are said to be under the Band A classification
University across Nigeria are facing the brunt of the current hike in electricity tariff as they experienced a 200 percent increase on existing bills in May.
However, the universities are not finding it easy to cope with high electricity tariffs, as their recent categorisation into ‘’Band A’’ without commensurate provision of electricity is putting them under severe pressure.
Many Universities have resulted to rationing of light in their campuses due to the hike in electricity tariff while others have their power disconnected by their respective Discos.
University of Jos has been in darkness for over a month now after the school was disconnected from public light by the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc.
Recall that University of Benin was also disconnected in May by Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) which led to the shut down of academic activities in the school till date after the students protested.
University of Ibadan also protested on Wednesday 17th July, 2024, to express their grievances over the 10 hours rationing of light by the management due to the hike in tariff.
University of Ilorin is not exempted in the rationing of light due to the current hike in tariff as students in the hostels are given power for three to four hours daily.
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have suggested that universities should be taken away from the band A category.
Vice Chancellor’s of various universities across the nation have also appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in the electricity crisis faced by their institution.
While it is yet to be seen what solution will be adopted by the Federal Government on this issue, ACJ Uniben hopes the issue will be resolved soon and constant power will be restored across universities to enhance a conducive environment for learning.
Hike in Electricity Tariff, a Menace to Nigeria Varsities.
