High electricity tariffs threaten university education — Babcock VC

The Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Ademola Tayo, has warned that the high electricity tariffs imposed on universities pose a significant threat to the survival of higher institutions in Nigeria.

Tayo made this declaration during the 22nd convocation ceremony of Babcock University, where he revealed that the university was slammed with a bill of over N300 million by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Limited in May.

He described the situation as a “big threat” to the financial well-being of universities.

“The government should just reduce the tariff for universities. The tariff is a threat to sustainable and quality education. We are challenged in making quality education affordable for people in the face of soaring inflation,” Tayo said.

Renowned lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, who delivered the convocation commencement speech, emphasised the need for Nigerians to ’replenish positively’ and invest in education.

He expressed regret that some youths feel migrating out of the country is the solution to their challenges, adding that Nigeria cannot be replenished from outside, but from within.

Olanipekun and Mrs. Bukola Onikepo-Smith were honoured with honorary doctoral degrees at the event, with Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State describing them as worthy of the honour.