Abdulrasaq Kamaldeen
The Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) has indicated that university students might soon be required to pay N80,000 or more annually for electricity.
According to Prof. Yakubu, Secretary-General of CVCNU, universities cannot afford the over N200 million they are charged monthly for electricity. Previously, institutions were billed N61 million monthly before the introduction of the Band A system, which followed a hike in electricity tariffs.
The suggestion of charging students for electricity has sparked mixed reactions on social media.
Dele Folarin expressed outrage, questioning, “How did we get here? It’s ludicrous to pay for electricity. Where is this country going? This is the worst administration I have ever seen in my life.”
Obinna Akor criticized the vice-chancellors, saying, “Vice-chancellors of Nigerian universities are no different from corrupt political leaders. They pilot the affairs of universities with the same lack of accountability and transparency. Now, they are out to cut the throats of students through electricity tariffs.”
Itumo Congrat suggested an alternative, proposing, “Why don’t the institutions switch to solar energy? Strategizing it at critical places like the medical services center, VC office, and payroll office.”
Lawal Habeeb Olabode shared a bitter remark, “Shame on Nigerian universities for not using students to build solar power stations. Each student should bring a 200-watt solar panel during entry to generate free electricity for the institution.”
Sokale Ayodeji commented on the broader implications, “Nigeria, my country, suffering and smiling is now our culture. This government will indirectly collect student loans while they are still in school and directly after. Wait till next year, school fees will skyrocket in all schools.”
Ayodeji continued, “This government is capitalist; they will collect from the poor through taxes and loans to fund their lifestyle. Only fools and those benefiting from this government will oppose a peaceful protest. Posterity will judge all of you.”
