The House of Representatives on Thursday urged the Federal Government to direct the Federal Ministry of Power, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, and distribution companies to immediately stop further billing or disconnection of electricity supply to public tertiary institutions in Nigeria using the current tariff.
The House also urged the Executive Arm to direct the relevant agencies to immediately reverse the Service-Based Tariff (SBT) plan of public tertiary institutions to either Band “C” or lower.
The House’s resolution was sequel to the motion by Abubakar Hassan Fulata, Chairman House Committee on University Education.
Presenting the motion, Fulata noted that tertiary education is an invaluable tool for socio-economic development.
He said the public Institutions in Nigeria offer education at minimal charges, most students cannot afford the fees and attempts by the institutions to increase school fees have always been met with resistance from the students.
He expressed concerns that due to inadequate funding by the Federal Government, public institutions are unable to operate optimally, thus the recent hike in electricity tariffs and the consequent power cut for defaulting institutions has thrown them into total darkness, putting important equipment at risk and security of students and staff in jeopardy.
Fulata said the attendant riots by students due to inability to use important learning equipment resulted in the closure of the affected institutions.
He expressed worry that grounding of academic activities in Nigeria could lead to increased frustration among students and potentially have severe socio-economic consequences.
“Aware that Section 14 (2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary responsibility of the government, while Section 18 (1) of the Constitution mandates the Federal Government to ensure equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels.
“Disturbed that if immediate measures are not taken to restore power supply and make electricity affordable in public institutions, the institutions will be forced to increase fees to meet up with current electricity costs and other bills, which would likely stir up violent resistance that may spell grave danger to the country,” he said.
The House mandated its Committees on University Education, Polytechnics and Technical College and Federal Colleges of Education, Power, and Legislative Compliance to liaise with the relevant bodies to come up with a workable, affordable and sustainable electricity tariff regime for public tertiary institutions and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative
