Lagos, Nigeria—The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, has been plunged into darkness following the disconnection of its power supply by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) over unpaid electricity bills. The university’s management disclosed this development in a statement released on Wednesday, highlighting the financial challenges the institution is currently facing.
UNILAG has been struggling to cope with the rising costs of electricity, a burden exacerbated by EKEDC’s recent decision to upgrade the university’s tariff category from “Band B” to “Band A.” This upgrade resulted in a significant hike in the university’s monthly electricity bills, pushing them from an already steep range of N150 million to N180 million, to nearly N300 million in June—a 100% increase that has proven difficult for the institution to manage.
The situation worsened in July when the university received an even higher bill of N472 million, further straining its finances. Despite ongoing negotiations with EKEDC and a recent payment of N180 million on August 20, the power company disconnected the university from the national grid on August 27, without prior notice.
In the statement, the university management expressed regret over the blackout that has affected the campus since Tuesday, assuring the university community that efforts are underway to resolve the issue with EKEDC. The management called for calm, announcing that power supply across the campus would be rationed until further notice.
The abrupt disconnection has disrupted academic activities and daily operations within the university, leaving students and staff in a difficult situation as the institution grapples with its financial challenges and the pressing need to restore power.
