Electric meters
The announcement was made by Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health, during a press briefing in Kaduna. Dr. Alausa highlighted that the Ministry of Power is currently working on the details of the subsidy payment.
This move addresses growing concerns over the rising cost of electricity, which has led to significant financial strain on tertiary institutions.
Many have faced disconnections by Distribution Companies (DisCos) due to unpaid bills.
For instance, The University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan disagreed with the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) over an accumulated N400 million bill.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria cried out over a monthly bill of N300 million which will make it indebted to the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KADCO) to the tune of N3.6 billion annually.
Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) disconnected the University of Lagos this week for owing over N1 billion. The varsity said it had paid N180 million.
The annual electricity budget for 10 varsities is estimated at N247.7 billion.
The universities with the highest electricity budgets include University of Nigeria Nsukka (N36.6 billion), University of Calabar (N29.5 billion), ABU (N29.2 billion), and several others.
Analysts have raised questions about the reliance on DisCos for power supply and the potential for universities to develop alternative energy solutions such as solar, wind, and hydro power.
“Instead of relying on power supply by the DisCos, why can’t the experts develop other sources of power generation, such solar, wind and hydro, among others?
“What has happened to the initiative for power supply to some of the leading universities during the Muhammadu Buhari Administration as launched at different times by then Minister for Power Mr. Babatunde Fashola?
“How relevant is the research in the universities to the society at large if the institutions cannot generate power?”
In addition to the electricity subsidy announcement, Dr. Alausa spoke about recent developments in the healthcare sector, including the inauguration of the National Ear Care Centre and other critical health projects in Kaduna.
These projects align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration, which aims to provide affordable and comprehensive healthcare to Nigerians.
Dr. Alausa stressed the government’s commitment to improving the healthcare sector and addressing challenges such as the Japa syndrome by increasing training opportunities and enhancing remuneration for healthcare workers.
Public Hospital
He said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to revamping all the sectors of our economy, especially in the health sector where he is giving us all we want.
“Our country is in the right direction and I want to implore the citizens to be patient with this president. He knows what he is doing.
“Every promise he made to Nigerians, he will fulfil them and he’s already fulfilling a lot of his promises.
“Our country is on the right trajectory now and I want to implore fellow citizens to be positive about our country.
“This is the only country we have and this negativity must stop.”
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented by Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe, praised the President’s leadership and assured continued support for the National Ear Care Centre.
The Centre’s Medical Director, Dr. Mustapha Yaro, detailed the newly completed projects, including a 200-capacity auditorium and a student hostel for the School of Post-Basic ORL Nursing, as part of a broader effort to enhance healthcare infrastructure and services.
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