The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof. Lilian Salami, has raised alarms about the crippling effects of a 300% electricity tariff increase on Nigerian universities. She highlighted that many public institutions are on the brink of financial collapse due to the recent hike announced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.
As both the Vice-Chancellor of UNIBEN and the Chair of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Salami shared that UNIBEN’s monthly electricity costs have skyrocketed from N80 million to N280 million. The Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and other stakeholders have voiced their concerns, warning that such an increase could devastate manufacturers, worsen inflation, and cripple small and medium-sized enterprises.
In an interview in Abuja, Prof. Salami disclosed that UNIBEN has been disconnected from the national power grid due to its inability to meet the N300 million monthly electricity bill. The university now relies on diesel, limiting power availability to just four hours a day—a stark contrast to the previously reliable 24-hour supply.
“Previously, UNIBEN enjoyed almost continuous power, but with the tariff hike, we’ve been pushed to the brink. Paying N300 million monthly is unsustainable, forcing us to ration power, much to the dismay of our students,” Salami explained.
The power cut has understandably upset the student body, who are now experiencing severe reductions in their daily power supply. Salami stressed that the administration’s inability to provide consistent electricity isn’t deliberate but a result of uncontrollable financial pressures.
“If students protest, it’s not because we don’t want to provide electricity, but because we simply can’t afford it. Our hands are tied,” she said.
Amid these challenges, Salami praised the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its critical support over the past four years. She credited TETFund with significant infrastructure developments, reduced cult-related activities, and overall improvements in the welfare of staff and students.
“TETFund has been a savior for tertiary education in Nigeria. Without its interventions, many public universities would be struggling even more. They’ve helped us with infrastructure, research, and staff training, keeping us relevant in today’s tech-driven world,” she noted.
Prof. Salami emphasized the importance of TETFund’s continued support, particularly in technology and research. She acknowledged the leadership of TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, for steering the fund towards enhancing technological integration in education.
“TETFund is pushing us to embrace technology, ensuring we keep pace with global advancements. We’re grateful for their focus on research and training, which are crucial for our progress,” Salami concluded.
The dire financial situation at UNIBEN highlights the broader struggles faced by Nigerian universities amid rising operational costs and insufficient funding. As institutions grapple with these challenges, the support from organizations like TETFund becomes even more vital in sustaining the quality and accessibility of higher education in Nigeria.
