All individuals should have equitable access to electricity, irrespective of their categorization.


The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed its strong opposition to the proposed electricity tariff of N80,000 per student by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU). This proposed increase is a response to the escalating electricity costs in the country, which universities claim they can no longer afford to cover without passing the burden onto students.

In a recent statement, the Secretary-General of the CVCNU, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, indicated that university students may be required to pay up to N80,000 each to help manage the rising electricity costs. Professor Ochefu highlighted that each university, which was previously charged N61 million monthly, is now paying over N200 million due to the introduction of the Band A system and the subsequent hike in electricity tariffs.

In April 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission implemented a significant adjustment to the electricity tariff structure, specifically for Band A customers. This revision resulted in an increase in the tariff from N68 per kilowatt-hour (KWh) to N225 per KWh, representing a substantial 300% increase.

It Is important to note that Band A customers are defined as those who receive electricity supply for a minimum of 20 hours per day. This adjustment is part of the ongoing efforts to optimize the electricity pricing framework and ensure sustainable electricity supply in Nigeria.

In response to this situation, the National President of NANS, Lucky Emonefe, expressed his opposition to the proposal of imposing electricity costs on students during an interview with Saturday PUNCH. He stated, "It is not feasible. Nigerian students cannot afford such high fees. While we acknowledge the increase in electricity tariffs, the financial burden should not fall on the students."

Emonefe reiterated NANS' dedication to opposing any efforts to raise electricity tariffs for students in educational institutions. He remarked, "The rise in electricity tariffs is among the matters we are discussing with the government.

While we do not hold the Vice Chancellors responsible, we believe the government should reclassify our institutions from Band A to Band B. No Nigerian student will be able to pay that N80,000; we will firmly oppose it."

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has also expressed its opinion on the matter, urging for an increase in government funding for universities.

ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, emphasized that enhanced funding would empower universities to function independently and potentially produce their own electricity.

He further highlighted the importance of universities receiving sufficient funding to explore self-sustainable energy solutions. Prof. Osodeke stated, "There are numerous issues plaguing the system. The funding is inadequate, and in the current circumstances, students cannot afford such expenses.

There is no valid reason for the electricity tariff increase in universities. Charging them differently is unjustifiable. Everyone should have equal access to electricity, regardless of their classification in Band A or Band B.

With proper funding, each university can generate its own electricity. If universities are given the opportunity to do so, they will rise to the challenge. Unfortunately, universities are currently unable to award contracts without government intervention.

It is disheartening that universities are not granted autonomy to operate independently. If they were, they could conduct the necessary research to produce their own electricity."

In light of the current circumstances, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors kindly advises universities to adjust their operations to accommodate the increased electricity costs.

Sunday Oduntan, the Executive Director of Research & Advocacy at Discos, emphasized the impracticality of reversing the tariff increase.

He explained that the tariff Is determined by the regulator based on realistic economic factors, not by the discos themselves. If production costs are disregarded, businesses will inevitably fail, resulting in a complete lack of electricity.