UNIBEN’s Electricity Disconnected Over N300m Monthly Bill – VC

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Lilian Salami, has voiced her concerns about the devastating effects of the recent 300% increase in electricity tariffs on Nigerian universities, speaks on how the institutions electricity was cut due to high monthly tariff.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Lilian Salami, has voiced serious concerns about the devastating effects of the recent 300% increase in electricity tariffs on Nigerian universities.

She stressed that this significant hike is pushing many public institutions towards financial collapse.

Prof. Salami, who is also the Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, disclosed that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s new rates have increased UNIBEN’s monthly electricity bill from N80m to N280m.

The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, along with various experts and stakeholders, have opposed the tariff increase, arguing it could drive manufacturers out of business, worsen inflation, and stifle small and medium enterprises.

In an interview in Abuja, Prof. Salami explained that the university has been disconnected from the national grid because it could not afford the nearly N300m monthly electricity cost.

Due to the high cost of diesel, the university now provides electricity for only about four hours per day, compared to the 24-hour supply students previously enjoyed.

“Currently, we are facing an electricity crisis. The University of Benin used to have 20 to 22 hours of uninterrupted power. But after the tariff hike, our bill went from N80m to N280m per month, even when students were on vacation. We were expecting it to reach N300m per month. No institution can survive such costs without going bankrupt; hence, we had to inform the students we couldn’t pay. Consequently, the power distribution company cut off our electricity. Now, we rely on diesel and ration power, which has left students unhappy,” she said.

The vice-chancellor emphasized that the institution cannot afford the high costs of electricity or diesel. “If students protest, it’s not because we don’t want to provide power, but because we simply cannot afford it. Any unrest is beyond our control,” she stated.Prof. Salami also highlighted the university’s key achievements over the past four years, including infrastructure development with support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), a reduction in cult-related activities, and improvements in staff and student welfare.She praised TETFund for its significant contributions to public universities, describing it as a “Messiah” that has rescued tertiary education in Nigeria. Without TETFund, she noted, public universities would have deteriorated significantly.“TETFund has been crucial in advancing tertiary education. Thanks to ASUU, which secured these interventions. Without TETFund, many universities would be no better than glorified primary schools. TETFund’s focus on infrastructure, research, and technology has been transformative. The Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, and his team have driven this progress, emphasizing technology in education. This focus ensures that Nigerian universities remain relevant in today’s world,” she concluded.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, PUNCH