PUNCH
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has cried out against the huge power bills paid by universities in the country estimated at N275bn annually, following the recent increase in electricity tariffs.
The National President, ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, called for per-unit billing as the universities’ power bill rose by 300 per cent, hitting N21.480b monthly.
In April 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission announced an increase in electricity tariff paid by Band A customers from N68/KWh to N225/KWh, a 300 per cent increment.
The universities are under Band A where customers enjoy electricity for at least 20 hours daily.
However, many of the universities have cried out over the soaring electricity bills following the new policy.
Electricity is an essential need in the universities as they required in laboratories, libraries and for other critical purposes.
Before the tariff increase, all 274 universities in Nigeria paid N5,252,000,000 monthly or N63,024,000,000 yearly.
After the increase, the universities now pay N21,480,000,000 monthly and N257,760,000,000 annually.
Findings revealed that the University of Lagos, which previously paid an average bill of N180m, now spends N300m on power.
Osodeke, in an interview with The PUNCH, insisted that the Federal Government must ensure fairness to all, citing the increased electricity tariffs, which had risen sharply.
He emphasised that all users should be charged based on the actual units of electricity consumed, with a uniform rate, rather than being categorised into different bands.
Osodeke also criticised the Band A classification for the universities, stating that, “Electricity tariffs are a nationwide concern and not limited to universities alone. The idea of categorising consumers into bands such as Band A or Band B is flawed. Billing should be based on actual consumption, with a consistent per-unit rate for all users.
“If someone receives 14 hours of electricity, they naturally pay more because they use more, but automatically charging them more simply because they fall under Band A is illogical. This new system is terrible and unfair.”
Suggesting a way out, Osodeke stated, “We suggest that the rate should be equitable for everyone. People will pay more because they consume more energy, not because of arbitrary classifications. The system should be fair to all Nigerians, charging solely based on the actual electricity units consumed. Whether in universities, towns, or villages, everyone should pay the same rate per unit of energy consumed.”
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