The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has called on the Federal Government to urgently tackle the electricity crisis that is crippling the operations of universities nationwide.
National President of SSANU, Mohammed Ibrahim, expressed deep concern over the escalating costs of electricity, stating it is disrupting critical university functions, including teaching, research, and administration.
“We urge the federal government to take immediate action to resolve this energy crisis, as it directly impacts students, the primary stakeholders in our universities,” Ibrahim stated in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.
Ibrahim emphasized that the lack of stable power infrastructure is hampering universities’ ability to fulfill their mandates effectively. He urged the government to intervene decisively to resolve the energy crisis, pointing out that improving electricity supply would create a more conducive environment for academic and professional growth.
The electricity crisis has been a growing challenge across Nigeria, with costs rising sharply in 2024, affecting households, institutions, and businesses alike. In August, electricity distribution companies (DisCos) increased the price of single-phase meters from ₦81,975 to ₦125,000 or more, while three-phase meters rose to as much as ₦240,000.
By October, the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan reported monthly electricity expenses of about ₦80 million, highlighting the financial strain on public institutions. These increases have left many Nigerians grappling with the choice between purchasing expensive meters or enduring the burdensome estimated billing system.
As dissatisfaction with rising electricity costs continues to grow, SSANU’s call underscores the urgency of reforms to ensure fair and affordable energy solutions for educational institutions and other sectors nationwide.
