The unbearable burden of electricity tariffs on Nigerian varsities
The recent increase in electricity tariffs for consumers enjoying 20 hours of power supply daily is a misguided move that has sparked widespread criticism.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) decision to raise tariffs by 240 percent for customers under the Band A category is not only ill-timed but also poses a significant threat to the already struggling tertiary education sector.
Nigerian universities, which are essential for the country’s development, are now faced with the daunting challenge of affording exorbitant electricity bills.
First-generation universities are paying between N250 million and N300 million monthly, a staggering amount that drains their limited resources. The University of Ilorin’s monthly electricity bill has skyrocketed from N70m to N230m, while the University of Port Harcourt pays over N50 million monthly.
This unjustified tariff hike is a barrier to effective research, student learning, and the smooth running of universities. It is unacceptable that the government would impose such a significant burden on institutions that are critical to the country’s future.
The energy crisis in Nigeria is already a major challenge, and this hike only exacerbates the problem.
The comparison with other countries is stark. Brazil generates 100,000MW of grid-based power for 201 million people, while South Africa generates 40,000MW for 50 million.
Nigeria, with an estimated 200 million population, struggles to transmit 4,000MW to 4,500MW. This is a clear indication of the country’s energy crisis, which the government must address urgently.
Since the hike was introduced, the University of Ilorin’s monthly electricity bill has jumped from N70m to N230m, while at the University of Port Harcourt, the management pays over N50 million on electricity bills monthly.
The recent electricity tariff hike has left Nigerian universities reeling, with the University of Ilorin’s monthly bill skyrocketing from N70m to N230m and the University of Port Harcourt paying over N50 million monthly.
This has led to student protests, like the one at the University of Benin, where students demanded a 24-hour power supply and were met with an indefinite shutdown of academic activities.
In 2020, the federal government launched the Energising Education Programme (EEP) to provide sustainable power to 37 federal universities and seven university teaching hospitals.
The first phase was expected to deliver 28.5MW to nine federal universities and one University Teaching Hospital using solar hybrid and/or gas-fired captive power plants.
Some of the universities included in the Phase 1 of the “Operation Light Up Nigerian Universities” programme are Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bayero University, Kano, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Federal University of Petroleum Resources – Effurum, Nnamdi Azikiwe University – Awka, Obafemi Awolowo University and Teaching Hospital – Osun, University of Lagos – Lagos, and Usmanu Danfodiyo University – Sokoto.
However, two years later, implementation has been slow, and only some universities have seen results.
This has forced universities to think creatively about solving their energy crises.
With the saying “necessity is the mother of invention” ringing true, institutions must find innovative solutions to this significant financial burden. It is time for universities to prioritise energy independence and explore alternative power sources to ensure uninterrupted learning and research.
The future of Nigeria’s education sector depends on it. The reliance of Nigerian universities on diesel generators to power their essential facilities such as libraries and laboratories is pervasive and costly.
This dependence not only strains their limited budgets but also contributes to environmental pollution due to emissions.
To address this enduring challenge, it is imperative for universities to shift towards self-generated power solutions rather than solely relying on the national grid. Experts advocate for the adoption of affordable energy harvesting technologies, leveraging the expertise within their electrical, mechanical, and water resources faculties.
Universities, being hubs of research and education, possess the potential to achieve sustainable energy independence by harnessing local resources effectively. This approach not only mitigates power disruptions but also enhances campus sustainability.
Highlighting successful examples like Covenant and Birmingham Universities, which not only meet their own energy needs but also contribute to their local communities, underscores the feasibility and benefits of such initiatives.
Similar to how Stanford University has catalysed innovation in Silicon Valley, Nigerian institutions have a blueprint to emulate, particularly the pioneering universities.
The transformation from reliance on diesel generators to sustainable energy solutions is within reach and crucial for Nigerian universities to advance both academically and environmentally.
We call on the government to reconsider this ill-advised tariff hike and work towards providing affordable and reliable energy for Nigerian universities. The future of the country depends on it.
