Following the decision of electricity distribution companies (DISCOS) to shift Nigerian public universities to Band A – a more expensive electricity tariff, the University of Jos, like many other public universities, has struggled with electricity bills. The bills in question that were once a manageable N20 – N25 million per month have now skyrocketed to a staggering N80 million and more.
Due to the University’s unfortunate lack of funds, measures have been put in place to ration power usage and prevent the electric bill from becoming overwhelmingly high. One of such measures was implemented on Monday the 18th of November 2024 when electrical appliances in the students’ hostels were confiscated.
Hotplates and irons were taken into the custody of the hostel matrons under the advisement of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya.
However, students immediately began to protest saying the confiscation of these items was in fact unplanned and therefore unfair. Their argument was that there are people with heavier appliances like fridges and stereos in their rooms and compared to these, hotplates and irons are nothing. According to them, people had been using all these appliances in the past with no issue and no complaint, so where was the sudden change coming from?
Despite these complaints, officials maintain that the policy had always been in existence but was merely ignored by students of the various campuses.
It remains to be seen whether this effort will play a significant role in keeping the bill at a minimum or if the entire operation is water off the duck’s back, but we remain hopeful.
While the Unijos Echo does not support students breaking school policy, it is of the opinion that they should not be left without an alternative. As the University has shut one door, there should definitely be a window made available somewhere.
The Unijos Echo advises school management to begin investing in solar energy instead. While this may prove to be an expensive venture at first, the long-term advantages definitely make it worth the spend.
Installing solar panels across the campuses will not only make the school independent energy-wise, but will also reduce the frequency of blackouts. This in turn will speed up several academic processes and make education easier. It will also save one the stress of paying electric bills which has proven over and over to be a thorn in the school’s side.
In the meantime, while this is being implemented, the school could also consider making gas cylinders available in the kitchens, as not everyone can afford to get individual camp gas cylinders.
Furthermore, the provision of industrial generators could also be considered. Granted, the cost of diesel is no small amount, but it will be a cost that the University can pay in its own time and not under compulsion from Electricity Distribution companies.
All in all, the UniJosEcho commends the university administration’s frugality and proactivity in light of the situation and trusts that they will make the right decision that benefits all in the end.
By The Editorial Board 300 Level
