Nigerian Student Pens Open Letter to NANS Over Electricity Tariff Crisis in Universities and Campus Power Cuts
Nigerian students have penned an open letter to the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) highlighting the crisis of darkness plaguing tertiary institution campuses across the country. Despite previous news commentary by NANS following the tariff hike announcement, no concrete action has been taken to address the issue.
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Nigerian students have penned an open letter to the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) highlighting the crisis of darkness plaguing tertiary institution campuses across the country. The issue stems from the recent increase in electricity tariffs and bills, which has left many universities struggling to cope.
The letter, signed by Samuel Samson Tobiloba, former President of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union, urgently calls for action from genuine student leaders. Despite parallel conventions that produced two different leadership structures under NANS, this issue transcends internal politics and demands immediate attention.
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"I write to bring to your attention the impending crisis of darkness on various tertiary institution campuses in Nigeria," Tobiloba stated. "It is an urgent call to action for those who consider themselves the genuine leaders of the student body."
The crisis follows an increase in the electricity tariff for Band A consumers from ₦66 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to ₦225 kWh in April. Although the tariff was later adjusted to ₦206 kWh and then to ₦209 kWh, many institutions have struggled to cope with these changes. Tobiloba provides stark examples of the impact: "For example, the electricity bill of the University of Ilorin increased from about 70 million naira per month to 230 million naira per month. Similarly, a significant increase has been observed on other campuses."
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He also cites the University of Benin, where the Vice-Chancellor reported a rise in the monthly electricity bill from 80 million naira to 280 million naira. "Several tertiary institutions have reduced power supply or cut off significant facilities, including student hostels, to manage this massive increment," Tobiloba noted, pointing out recent disconnections, including those at UNILAG and the University of Benin, where student protests over power cuts led to a temporary shutdown.
Despite previous news commentary by NANS following the tariff hike announcement, no concrete action has been taken to address the issue. Tobiloba emphasized the need for unified action by student leaders to confront this national challenge, highlighting the detrimental impact of increased expenses on student fees and the urgent need for adequate representation and leadership within the Nigerian student community.
In light of the looming darkness on university campuses, Tobiloba called on concerned student leaders to mobilize and address the pressing issue to safeguard the future of education in Nigeria.
