ASUU Warns of Potential University Closures Due to High Electricity Costs

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised an alarm over the rising cost of electricity, warning that the majority of Nigerian universities are at risk of closing down. The ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, made this statement during the opening session of a two-day national conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Prof. Osodeke revealed that some universities face monthly electricity bills ranging from N200 million to N300 million, which has become unbearable for many institutions. He explained that the federal government provides universities with just N15 million per month to cover operating expenses, including electricity and other essential costs.

He emphasized the inadequacy of this funding by contrasting it with the N21 million that each Nigerian senator reportedly receives as a monthly salary. “What the government gives you to run the system is N15 million, and you get a bill for electricity alone of N300 million. Where is that money coming from?” Prof. Osodeke questioned.

He further highlighted the operational challenges faced by universities, including the need to run laboratories, provide diesel for generators, and ensure fuel for vehicles. He added, “A government that will give just N15 million for UNILAG to run, will in turn give one Senator N21 million a month. The government gives a system N15 million, but an individual gets N21 million. That’s where our priority is.”