The University of Lagos, UNILAG, has been left in darkness after the Eko Electricity Distribution Company, EKEDC, disconnected its power supply due to unpaid electricity bills.
The disconnection occurred despite the university having made a payment of N180 million to EKEDC for the month of July.
Meanwhile, in a statement released by the Head of the Communication Unit for UNILAG management, titled “Important Notice: Power Outage on Campus,” the EKEDC’s action was announced to the university community.
The statement reads, “The University of Lagos management wishes to appeal to members of the university community over the power outage on campus due to the disconnection of electricity supply by the EKEDC.
“The university just paid N180 million to the EKEDC but was abruptly cut off from electricity supply on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, without prior notice of disconnection, and despite engaging with the management of the EKEDC, the company has declined to reconnect in spite of previous agreements.”
The university was unexpectedly moved from Band B to Band A following the introduction of differential tariffs by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, causing its electricity bill to surge from an average of N150-N180 million per month to nearly N300 million in the June 2024 billing cycle.
In response, the university entered discussions with the management of EKEDC over the steep June bill, emphasising its preference to remain in Band B due to its inability to afford the higher costs associated with Band A.
The university also cited its inability to pay more than N180 million per month for the remainder of the budget year, noting that any outstanding amounts would be accounted for in the next budget.
“Throughout its meetings with the EKEDC, the university made it abundantly clear that it could never afford the Band A tariff on which the university was placed.
“Within two weeks of this meeting, we were slammed with a bill of almost half a billion (N472 million) for the month of July, further increasing our debt burden. We kept to our word and ensured we paid the N180 million on August 20, but on August 27, without any prior notice, the EKEDC disconnected the university,” it said.
However, despite the circumstances, management expressed regret over the situation and is taking the necessary steps to resolve the issue.
“In the meantime, members of the university community are enjoined to remain calm and note that there would be a rationing of power supply across the campus until further notice. The schedule of rationing will be released so that members of the community can adequately plan,” the statement added.
(Sahara Reporters)
