- Public universities in Nigeria face potential unrest over a proposed N80,000 electricity fee per student.
- Students, parents, and university staff strongly oppose the proposed fee, citing the additional financial burden amid high education costs and economic challenges.
A potential crisis occurs in Nigeria’s universities as vice-chancellors consider implementing a proposed N80,000 electricity fee per student due to the recent surge in power tariffs by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). This proposal comes in response to NERC’s decision last April to classify universities under “Band A,” resulting in a three to fourfold increase in their electricity bills.
Some universities, struggling to pay their new bills, have faced disconnections from their distribution companies (DisCos). The universities, burdened with monthly electricity costs exceeding N200 million, contemplate passing this expense on to students.
Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), disclosed that institutions like the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), and Bayero University, Kano (BUK) have seen their electricity bills skyrocket under the new tariff regime.
The proposed fee has incited strong opposition from students, parents, and other stakeholders, who argue that such an increase exacerbates the already heavy financial burden on families. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has vowed to reject any fee hike and calls on the federal government to reclassify universities to a less expensive tariff band.
Parents have expressed dismay at the steep fee, with Martha Mlanga and Mr Isaac Ugwu criticizing it as an unreasonable imposition that threatens educational access for many. Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) members also warn of potential financial strains on families, highlighting the broader implications for student affordability and institutional sustainability.
Meanwhile, some universities are exploring alternative solutions to meet their electricity needs, with discussions ongoing about potential reclassification or self-generated power solutions. Government officials, including those from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Federal Ministry of Education, have yet to comment on the contentious proposal.