The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised an alarm regarding the precarious state of Nigerian universities, citing the overwhelming burden of electricity costs as a significant factor threatening their stability. During the opening session of a two-day national conference held in Abuja, ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke highlighted the dire financial situation faced by many institutions.
According to Prof. Osodeke, some universities are grappling with electricity bills ranging from N200 million to N300 million monthly. In stark contrast, the federal government allocates only N15 million per month to these institutions for running costs, which must cover not only electricity but also essential operational expenses such as laboratory maintenance and fuel for vehicles.
Prof. Osodeke emphasized the disparity in financial support, stating, “While the government provides a meager N15 million for UNILAG to operate, each Senator receives N21 million a month.” This stark contrast raises questions about the government’s prioritization of resources and its impact on higher education in Nigeria.
The union’s leaders argue that without significant changes in funding policies, many universities may face irreparable damage, undermining the quality of education and research critical to national development. As the situation intensifies, ASUU is calling for urgent government intervention to address the unsustainable financial model that places the burden of operational costs on universities while disproportionately funding other sectors.
