The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, has expressed concern over the recent hike in electricity tariffs imposed by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, which has seriously affected the University’s budget.
In an email message sent to staff and students of the University last Thursday (June 6, 2024), Egbewole disclosed that the institution’s monthly electricity bill has skyrocketed from N70 million to N230 million per month, a situation he described as ‘‘unsustainable’’.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed the urgent need for a critical reassessment of current electricity usage practices as he appealed to both staff and students to adopt more responsible electricity consumption habits and to support the administration’s efforts to implement cost-saving measures.
The Professor of International Law and Jurisprudence said that the administration was intensifying negotiations for alternative power supply solutions, which, he said, “are expected to yield positive results soon.”
Towards this end, Egbewole announced that all new buildings under construction in the Faculties of Agriculture, Arts, Environmental Science, Law, and Social Sciences will include provisions for alternative power sources as part of their design.
He added that strategies are being developed to ensure that all Faculties and Units are equipped with reliable alternative power options.
He said, “The past few days have demonstrated the sterling qualities in us as staff and students of this great University. The administration remains ever grateful for this show of very deep support for the University in the face of the daunting challenges.”
The Vice-Chancellor also stressed the importance of safeguarding these new facilities from theft and vandalism as he called on the entire University community to ensure that these resources are protected and maintained.
Egbewole expressed his gratitude to the staff and students for their resilience and cooperation during the recent disruptions in electricity and water supply. He commended their collective effort and sense of responsibility, which helped the University navigate the challenges.
The Vice-Chancellor, however, reassured the University community of the administration’s ongoing commitment to addressing the economic challenges affecting the University. He pledged continued efforts to provide a conducive learning and working environment despite the financial constraints.
Recall that the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission announced the hike in the electricity tariff for Band A customers at a press briefing in Abuja, on April 3, revealing that those affected would pay N225 per kilowatt-hour, up from the previous rate of N68/kWh, representing about 240 per cent increase.
PUNCH Online reports that subsidy on electricity was withdrawn completely from the tariff of customers in the Band A category, who constituted about 15 per cent of the total 12.82 million power consumers across the country.
Based on the tariff hike, the Federal Government said it would save N1.5tn.
