Tension in Nigerian Universities as VCs Propose N80,000 Electricity Fee Per Student

Tensions are rising in Nigeria’s public universities as a proposed N80,000 electricity fee per student has drawn significant backlash from students, parents, and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The proposed fee comes in response to the increased electricity tariffs imposed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which has placed universities under the costly “Band A” tariff category.

Following a 300% hike in electricity tariffs announced by NERC in April 2024, universities have seen their monthly electricity bills skyrocket. For instance, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) now faces a monthly bill of N300 million, up from N80 million, while Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has seen its bill jump from N30 million to N230 million. Unable to manage these soaring costs, some universities have already been disconnected by their electricity providers.

In a bid to address the financial strain, university administrators are considering passing the burden onto students through an N80,000 electricity fee. This proposal, revealed by the secretary-general of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, has ignited a wave of protests and condemnation from various stakeholders.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly opposed the proposed fee, with its president, Lucky Emonefe, vowing that students will not pay the additional charge. NANS is urging the federal government to remove universities from the Band A tariff category, arguing that the exorbitant costs are unsustainable for educational institutions.

Parents have also voiced their concerns, calling the proposed fee an excessive burden on already struggling families. Martha Mlanga, a parent from Abuja, described the fee as “unreasonable” and warned that it could push more students out of school due to financial hardship.

ASUU has also criticized the proposal, with Dr. Sylvanus Ugoh, chairperson of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) chapter, warning that the fee could lead to further financial pressures on families and potentially open the door to other increased charges.

Despite the growing opposition, some universities are considering implementing the fee if it is approved. However, federal government officials, including those from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Ministry of Education, have remained silent on the issue.