The Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Christian Anieke, has expressed strong discontent with its recent classification in the electricity Band A tariff category by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company.
This classification requires customers to receive at least 20 hours of electricity daily, but it comes with a significant rate hike.
In April, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) raised the tariff from N66 to N225 per kilowatt-hour, provoking public outcry over affordability issues.
During an address at the university’s campus, Vice-Chancellor Christian Anieke described the billing system as “ridiculous” and excessive, particularly for an educational institution.
“It is only in Nigeria that you see things like this: billing a university like a business entity,” he stated, highlighting the disparities in how educational institutions are treated compared to commercial enterprises.
In response to the challenges posed by high electricity costs, Anieke announced plans for GOUni to install solar lights in all student hostels to alleviate the burden on students and enhance the university’s sustainability.
Furthermore, he outlined the institution’s strategy to bolster its internally generated revenue by focusing on research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Anieke stressed the importance of each department demonstrating evidence of IGR generation without imposing additional fees on students.
He directed all faculties and departments to intensify their efforts in seeking funding through research, grants, and collaborations with alumni to improve the university’s financial standing.
This proactive approach aims to ensure that GOUni remains resilient amid rising operational costs and continues to provide quality education to its students.
