The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has declared war on all Electricity Distribution Companies, over the power disconnection at University of Lagos, UNILAG, which has continued to generate reactions.
The Eko Distribution Company, EKEDC, on Thursday, as disconnected the source of power at UNILAG over what it called outrageous electricity bill.
NANS, has therefore declared war on all Discos, seeks tariffs reversal and also mobilised its members to begin the occupation of EKEDC offices and others nationwide.
According to NANS, the upgrade of the institution to Band A, which is not peculiar UNILAG alone, was done without consultation with the management of the university has led to the exorbitant increase in electricity bills from around N150 million to nearly N300 million per month resulting in the inability to pay.
The umbrella body of students in a statement signed by Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, President of the Senate, NANS Headquarters called on all electricity distribution companies nationwide that have moved universities to Band A to reverse with immediate effect.
The association has also directed its members at UNILAG and the Lagos JCC to move against EKEDC and shut down other erring DISCOs nationwide.
It called on all DISCO managements to reverse the movement of all universities back to tariff Band B.
The statement read in parts,”We vehemently condemn the recent actions of the Eko Distribution Company, EKEDC.
“The situation at UNILAG is not an isolated incident. Across the country, other universities have faced similar challenges, where electricity distribution companies have arbitrarily moved institutions to Band A tariffs without considering the financial constraints of these institutions. This exploitative behaviour has been a recurring issue, with universities struggling to meet these exorbitant charges while maintaining essential services for students.
“Despite continuous engagement and clear communication from the university that it cannot afford to pay more than N180 million monthly, EKEDC has chosen to ignore these realities. Their actions are a blatant display of unprofessionalism and an act of wickedness against the institution and its students.
“This tariff hike will have devastating consequences, potentially leading to an increase in tuition fees and a prolonged blackout on campus, both of which will severely disrupt the education and well-being of the students. Such disregard for the future of Nigerian students is unacceptable.
“In response to this blatant act of wickedness, NANS declares war on EKEDC and calls on all UNILAG students and the Lagos JCC to occupy all EKEDC offices across Lagos until the university is returned to tariff Band B and power is restored to the campus. Furthermore, NANS is extending this call to all students across the country to occupy the offices of any electricity distribution company that has unilaterally placed their universities in Band A against their will.
“We must stand united in demanding that this unjust treatment be corrected without delay.”
NANS urged the electricity distribution company to have a rethink and consider the negative effect of throwing an entire university community into darkness, saying actions of the student body will be swift as the company has crossed a forbidden line.
“EKEDC and others must understand that their actions have severe implications for the future of millions of students, and NANS will not tolerate such exploitation,” NANS declared.
