The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the action of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) for disconnecting the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka from power supply over its inability to pay the sum of N472 million monthly tariff bill, the amount the university considered to be very outrageous.
The students’ bodies because of this EKEDC action have directed UNILAG students (who are on holiday) and other members of NANS in Lagos State to occupy all EKEDC offices in Lagos to show their opposition to what they called the obnoxious tariff hike.
Recall that the Nigerian Tribune has earlier reported that the electricity distribution company has thrown the university into total blackout since Tuesday, August 27, because of the unsettled bill.Now, the university community has been in darkness since Tuesday till 1.50 pm on Thursday while filling out this report.
Reacting to the report on Thursday morning, NANS’ Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, in a statement, said, “We Nigerian students vehemently condemn the recent action of the Eko Distribution Company (EKEDC), which has not only disconnected the University of Lagos (UNILAG) from the power supply but has also arbitrarily moved the university from tariff Band B to Band A.This sudden and unwarranted decision, made without proper consultation, has led to an exorbitant increase in electricity bills from around N150 million to nearly N300 million per month.
“Despite continuous engagement and clear communication from the university that it cannot afford to pay more than N180 million monthly, EKEDC has chosen to ignore these realities.“This action of EKEDC is a blatant display of unprofessionalism and an act of wickedness against the institution and its students.EKEDC should know that this tariff hike will have devastating consequences, potentially leading to an increase in tuition fees and a prolonged blackout on campus, both of which will severely disrupt the education and well-being of the students
So, such disregard for the future of Nigerian students is unacceptable to us.
“In light of this, NANS is calling on all UNILAG students and the Lagos JCC to take immediate action by shutting down all EKEDC offices across Lagos until the university is returned to tariff Band B and power is restored to the campus.“We must stand united in demanding that this unjust treatment be corrected without delay.
“EKEDC must understand that its action has severe implications for the future of millions of students, and NANS will not tolerate such exploitation.
“This is a line they should never have crossed, and the response from the Nigerian student body will be swift and resolute.”
