Nigeria’s public universities are grappling with an electricity crisis, with many institutions accumulating massive debts to Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) following a steep tariff hike in April. The surge in energy costs has led to power outages on several campuses, with some universities even being disconnected due to their inability to settle outstanding bills. This has disrupted academic activities, forcing universities to reconsider their reliance on the national grid.
The University of Ibadan’s College Hospital, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, University of Jos, and the University of Lagos are among the institutions that have been disconnected by DisCos in recent months due to debts running into hundreds of millions of naira. The University of Lagos, for example, had its electricity cut off by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) in August over an outstanding N1 billion debt. Other universities, including Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the University of Benin, have also faced blackouts due to their failure to pay electricity bills.
The issue of rising energy costs and power cuts has been compounded by the general state of Nigeria’s power grid, which is prone to frequent collapses, and a growing concern about the sustainability of higher education in the country.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka Embraces Solar Power
In response to the mounting electricity challenges, universities are increasingly turning to alternative power solutions. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), for instance, has benefitted from a N900 million solar car park project developed by Azura Power West Africa. The 240-kW solar installation at the university’s Faculty of Engineering is expected to save the institution N150 million annually in energy costs and reduce diesel consumption by 135,000 liters per year, with a corresponding cut in CO2 emissions by 351,000 kg. Azura Power also plans to replicate the project in five other Nigerian universities by 2035, contributing to Nigeria’s broader energy transition goals.
The initiative highlights the need for significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure for educational institutions, a shift that could alleviate the financial burden caused by rising electricity costs.
Government Plans Mini-Grids for Universities
In a bid to address the energy crisis in higher education, the Federal Government is taking steps to provide alternative energy solutions for universities. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recently disclosed plans to build mini-grids at select higher education institutions, including universities and teaching hospitals. These projects, including an advanced solar microgrid nearing completion at the University of Abuja, aim to reduce the institutions’ dependence on the national grid and mitigate the impact of high electricity costs.
Adelabu explained that the government’s push for alternative energy sources is part of a broader commitment to support education, which he described as the “backbone of economic growth and sustainable development.” He also emphasized the importance of maintaining these energy systems for long-term success, calling on university management to ensure proper upkeep and sustainability.
The University of Abuja’s solar project is expected to be replicated across other institutions, shielding them from the rising cost of energy. Adelabu noted that these efforts align with President Tinubu’s vision of fostering sustainable human development through education.
Urgent Calls for Government Action
The Secretary to the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, has expressed concerns that the lack of government action on the energy crisis could lead to the collapse of 52 federal universities. He warned that the failure to address the power issues would jeopardize the education of millions of Nigerian students, who are already facing challenges due to frequent blackouts and escalating energy bills.
The CVCNU has called for universities to be moved to a lower tariff band, allowing them to pay electricity bills closer to previous rates, rather than the unsustainable commercial rates currently in place. This move, alongside investments in alternative energy sources, could provide some relief to struggling universities and ensure the continuity of academic activities.
As the power crisis continues to affect Nigeria’s universities, stakeholders are urging the government and private sector to collaborate on finding lasting solutions. While transitioning to alternative energy systems requires substantial investment, initiatives like the solar car park at UNN and the planned mini-grids at other universities could be key steps toward ensuring that higher education institutions are not dependent on a faltering national grid.
