- The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is working to solve its energy challenges by generating power after being disconnected from the national grid for over two months.
- The university’s 53rd convocation will award degrees to 11,143 students, including 195 First Class graduates, and feature a lecture by NBA President Afam Osigwe.
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State is facing a severe energy crisis that has significantly impacted its operations. Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Polycarp Chigbu, revealed during a press briefing on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, that the university had been disconnected from the national grid for over two months due to rising electricity bills. This disconnection has disrupted academic and administrative functions, affecting students and staff.
Escalating electricity costs from the Main Power Electricity Distribution Company and the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) have compounded the university’s energy struggles. Chigbu lamented that the situation has become untenable, making it difficult for the institution to maintain a consistent power supply for its various operations, ranging from research activities to daily administrative functions. “The electricity challenge has significantly impacted our operations to the extent that our university was disconnected from the national grid for over two months,” Chigbu stated.
The UNN has embarked on efforts to generate its power in response to this pressing issue. The university recently opened the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Power and Energy Development, a project funded by the World Bank and Agence Française de Développement. The centre is focused on developing human capital in sustainable energy solutions.
It aims to address energy challenges for the university and the entire Sub-Saharan African region. The centre’s mandate is to drive innovative solutions to energy shortages through research and technology, and it is expected to play a pivotal role in providing lasting solutions to the university’s energy concerns.
Chigbu expressed optimism that the centre’s innovation and expertise will help solve the university’s energy challenges and contribute to broader efforts to achieve energy security and sustainability for Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We trust that the innovation and research coming out of this centre will play a crucial role in addressing not just the university’s energy concerns but also contribute to the broader goal of ensuring energy security for the entire region,” he added.
The energy crisis at UNN is not unique. Many institutions and communities across Nigeria face similar challenges due to an unreliable power supply and escalating costs. As the university continues to explore alternative energy solutions, it hopes to set a precedent for other institutions grappling with the same issues. The ongoing efforts underscore the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s energy deficit, which remains a barrier to economic development and sustainability across the nation.