UNILAG plunged into darkness as EKEDC disconnects power supply

The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, has been plunged into darkness by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) over outstanding debt.

The disconnection of electricity supply comes after the institution had paid the EKEDC N180 million for the month of July.

A statement by the Head of the Communication Unit for UNILAG management, titled: ‘Important notice: Power outage on campus’ announced the EKEDC’s action to the university community.

It read: “The University of Lagos management wishes to appeal to members of the university community over the power outage on campus due to disconnection of electricity supply by the EKEDC.

“The university just paid N180 million to the EKEDC but was abruptly cut off from electricity supply on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, without prior notice of disconnection, and despite engaging with the management of the EKEDC, the company has declined to reconnect in spite of previous agreements.”

The statement added that the university was unilaterally migrated from Band B to Band A when the differential tariffs was introduced by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which raised the bill astronomically from an average of N150-N180 million per month to almost N300 million per month in June 2024 bill.

The image maker said the university engaged the management of the EKEDC in talks over the exorbitant June bill and reiterated its preference to remain on Band B due to its absolute incapability to pay bills generated on Band A.

Other reasons given include the university’s inability to pay more than N180 million per month till the end of this budget year and that the outstanding would be captured in the next budget.

It added: “Throughout its meetings with the EKEDC, the university made it abundantly clear that it could never afford the Band A tariff on which the university was placed.

“Within two weeks of this meeting, we were slammed with a bill of almost half a billion (N472 million) for the month of July, further increasing our debt burden. We kept to our word and ensured we paid the N180 million on August 20, but on August 27, without any prior notice, the EKEDC disconnected the university.”

She stated that despite the foregoing, management regretted the situation and was taking necessary steps to address the issue.

It further added: “In the meantime, members of the university community are enjoined to remain calm, and note that there would be a rationing of power supply across the campus until further notice. The schedule of rationing will be released so that members of the community can adequately plan.”