The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has been plunged into a total blackout after the Eko Distribution Company (EKEDC) disconnected the institution from the national power grid.
The disconnection, which took place on Tuesday, August 27, comes amid a financial dispute between the university and the power company over a ₦472 million unpaid electricity bill.
In a statement released by the university management on Wednesday, the institution expressed its concern and appealed to the campus community for understanding during this challenging period.
According to the management, UNILAG had recently made a payment of ₦180 million to EKEDC but was still cut off without prior notice.
The university has been grappling with the financial strain imposed by EKEDC’s decision to move it from “Band B” to “Band A” on its tariff plan.
This shift has nearly doubled the university’s monthly electricity bill, from approximately ₦150 million to almost ₦300 million as of June. The sudden increase has severely impacted the university’s ability to meet its financial obligations.
UNILAG’s appeal for Band B switch
UNILAG’s management noted that it had engaged in discussions with EKEDC over the exorbitant tariffs and consistently preferred to remain on the more affordable Band B tariff.
“We made it clear to EKEDC that the university would not be able to pay anything more than ₦180 million monthly,” the statement read.
Despite the university’s efforts to negotiate and recent payment, EKEDC issued a bill for July totalling nearly ₦472 million, further exacerbating the institution’s financial challenges.
The sudden disconnection has forced the university to ration power supply across campus, leaving students and staff in a precarious situation.
The university management assured the community that steps are being taken to resolve the issue.
In the meantime, a schedule for power rationing will be released to help the campus community plan accordingly.