The proposed N80,000 electricity fee for university campuses has sparked significant unrest among students and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Both students and ASUU have expressed strong opposition to this fee, arguing that it places an undue financial burden on the university community.
Proposed N80,000 Electricity Fee Sparks Unrest in Universities as ASUU and Students Protest
ASUU has criticized the proposed fee, highlighting that it could exacerbate the existing financial challenges faced by both students and staff. They argue that the introduction of such fees could lead to increased dropout rates and further strain the already underfunded education sector.
Students have also protested the proposed fee, voicing their concerns through demonstrations and public statements. They contend that the fee is unjustified and would hinder access to education, especially for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The brewing trouble in universities over this proposed fee underscores the broader challenges within the Nigerian education system, including funding inadequacies and the need for more sustainable financial models.
Information gathered showed that the University of Lagos (UNILAG), which paid N80 million under the old tariff structure, now coughs out N300 million monthly as electricity bills.
For Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi, its bill rose from N30 million to N55 million per month; the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) got N150 million instead of N80 million for its May bill, while the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) bill rose from N70 million to N230 million. The situation was the same for Bayero University, Kano (BUK), whose bill rose from N30 million to N230 million.
In the light of the above, the vice-chancellors decided to introduce the N80,000 per student electricity levy.
Expectedly, this proposal has attracted the wrath of students, parents, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other stakeholders in the university community said too many charges by the universities had already overburdened the students and their sponsors.
