The new leadership of the National Association of University Students (NAUS) has said it will engage relevant authorities of government to achieve reduction of electricity tariff payable by universities in the country.
President of NAUS, Comrade Josiah Oche Peter, who stated this in a statement, said the recent hike in electricity tariff has adversely affected the running of universities leading to irregular supply of power in the institutions.
The new rate announced by the regulator, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has pushed electricity bills of many universities from about N80 million to over 280 million per month.
Recall that the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, as well as experts had opposed the tariff hike, arguing that this would drive manufacturers out of business, worsen inflation, and stifle small and medium enterprises.
But the newly elected president of NAUS, Comrade Peter, speaking at his maiden news conference on the state of the nation in Abuja, vowed to engage the federal government and its relevant agencies to ensure that universities are exempted from the recent tariff hike.
Peter, however, commended the federal government on the infrastructure development in tertiary institutions through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
He particularly noted that the executive secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono has changed the narratives of the Fund which has brought tremendous development to tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
He said in addition to infrastructure development, TETFund under Echono’s watch has focused on research, innovation and content development component of the Fund’s mandate.
The NAUS president also lauded the role being played by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume in the stabilisation of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that the SGF Office being the engine room of the government is critical to formulation of policies and successful implementation of same, adding that Akume has no doubt brought his experience, as a two-term governor, senator and Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to bear in the running of the current administration.
Peter said: “The recent tariff increase has had profound impact on the teaching and learning in universities in Nigeria and we are determined to engage the Federal Government and the agencies involved on the need to give concession to universities and other tertiary institutions in the new electricity rates.
“As students we need electricity to study. Irregular supply of power to the institutions would adversely affect the performance of students in the long run.
“We reiterate our commitment to the Nigerian students and the nation at large. We will continue to act with prudence, wisdom, and diligence in our quest for justice, fairness, and progress.
“This is not the time for chaos but for strategic, thoughtful action. Dear Nigerians, be rest assured that NAUS is here to serve, to lead, and to protect. Together, we will overcome the challenges we face, and we will emerge stronger and more united than ever,” he stated.
