- The Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, (UNIZIK) Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, announced the start of prepaid and postpaid meter installations to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
- Sabrud Consortium Nigeria Limited has partnered with UNIZIK to improve power management, marking the university’s move toward energy independence and better electricity billing.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, has assured the university community of uninterrupted electricity supply following the commencement of the installation of both prepaid and postpaid meters. This development is part of a broader effort to improve power supply across the institution.
During the flag-off ceremony, Prof. Ikechebelu made the statement for installing the meters, commissioning the Vending/Control Room, and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sabrud Consortium Nigeria Limited. He praised the task force committee for promptly completing its mandate and promised that all university facilities would be metered soon.
Expressing his satisfaction, Ikechebelu noted that the initiative marked a significant achievement for the university. “When I assumed office, I knew something had to be done to address the long-standing issues with electricity supply, which affected staff and students,” he said. “Electricity, water, and food are essential for progress. Without them, innovation and discovery are impossible.”
He emphasised that with the new metering system, the university would have better control over its electricity consumption and accurate billing. “We can now boast of an audit of our electricity consumption and ensure appropriate payments,” Ikechebelu added. “This is a significant milestone in our ‘Light up UNIZIK’ initiative, and we can now breathe easier, especially concerning the costs associated with running generators.”
The Acting VC also urged Sabrud Consortium to ensure efficient service delivery to maintain the partnership’s success. “You’re fortunate to be partnering with us,” he said. “The university’s goodwill will promote your firm’s legacy.”
Earlier, Comrade Stephen Ufoaroh, Chairman of the Task Force on Electricity, thanked the Acting VC for the opportunity to serve and expressed his happiness that the goal of restoring stable power supply to the university had been achieved. He explained that Sabrud Consortium Nigeria Limited had been chosen from over five vendors due to its superior quality and local advantage, particularly in responding to emergencies.
“We’ve successfully regulated power use at the university to reduce billing costs,” Ufoaroh said. “We’ve also raised funds to settle debts with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and plan to pay more before the year ends. We are optimistic about establishing our energy centre, which will help us generate power and attract potential investors.”
Ufoaroh also highlighted key elements of the MoU, including opportunities for research collaboration and student internships. “Our students will benefit from internships with the company, and their staff will offer technical lectures on metering systems. We’ve also agreed to impose a N100,000 fine for any instances of meter bypassing,” he added.
In response, Mr Chiso Nwangwu, Managing Director of Sabrud Consortium Nigeria Limited, explained that the initiative was prompted by the high charges from the distribution company and the university’s challenges in managing power effectively. He said the company had conducted a detailed enumeration to capture high-consuming customers, including banks and cooperatives, which were found to be undercharged for their consumption.
“The installation of these meters will eliminate theft and bypassing,” Nwangwu said. “Our factory and meters are locally available, and we’re committed to providing cross-incubation of knowledge, including training engineers and technologists from UNIZIK.”
He also noted that UNIZIK is the first eligible customer in Anambra State to benefit from the initiative, marking the end of power blackouts for the university. “Kudos to the management for taking this bold step,” he concluded.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including Prof. Solomon Nwigbo, Dean of Engineering, and Prof. Azubogu Austen, Director of the Technology Incubation Centre. The occasion also included visits to the meter installation sites across the university.