By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has disconnected the University of Lagos (UNILAG) from its electricity supply due to the institution’s inability to pay the increased electricity tariffs.
This was announced in a statement by Mrs. A. Alaga-Ibraheem, head of the communication unit on Wednesday.
According to the statement, “the university had paid ₦180 million to EKEDC but was still cut off without prior notice on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, despite previous agreements. The university was unilaterally migrated from Band B to Band A when the differential tariffs were introduced by NERC, resulting in an astronomical increase in the bill from an average of ₦150-180 million/month to almost ₦300 million/month in the June 2024 bill.
“The university had engaged with EKEDC management over the exorbitant June bill, reiterating its preference to remain on Band B and its inability to pay bills generated on Band A. Despite this, EKEDC presented the university with a bill of almost half a billion (₦472 million) for the month of July, further increasing the debt burden.
“The university paid ₦180 million on August 20 but was disconnected on August 27 without prior notice. Management regrets the situation and is taking necessary steps to address the issue.
“In the meantime, members of the university community are advised to remain calm, and a rationing of power supply across campus will be implemented until further notice. A schedule of rationing will be released to enable the community to plan accordingly.”