The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has been disconnected from the power grid by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) due to an outstanding electricity debt exceeding ₦1 billion.
Babatunde Lasaki, the General Manager of Corporate Communications and Strategy at EKEDC, confirmed to national newspaper Punch that the disconnection occurred on Tuesday.
Lasaki explained that while UNILAG made a payment of ₦180 million on August 20, 2024, this amount was only a small fraction of the university’s total debt, which currently stands at ₦1,035,197,446.43.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, UNILAG’s management expressed frustration over the disconnection, especially since the university had been in negotiations with EKEDC and had recently made a substantial payment.
The university stated that it received a bill of nearly ₦472 million for July, further increasing its debt burden.
“Just two weeks after our meeting, we were hit with a staggering bill of nearly half a billion naira (₦472 million) for July, further increasing our debt burden! We kept our promise and paid ₦180 million on August 20, yet on August 27, EKEDC disconnected us without notice and has refused to reconnect the university to the national grid,” the university’s management stated.
In response, Lasaki clarified that UNILAG’s payment did not significantly reduce the debt and that the disconnection followed multiple engagements and adherence to regulatory procedures.
He emphasized that disconnection notices were served to the university’s principal staff, including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, and other key officials.
Lasaki also addressed concerns about UNILAG’s migration from Band B to Band A tariff, explaining that the change was based on the university’s average 23 hours of power supply, which aligns with Band A criteria.
The tariff adjustment, he noted, followed due process with adequate engagement and communication regarding its implications.
While UNILAG has expressed a preference to remain on Band B, Lasaki stated that tariff classifications are determined by supply availability and cannot be altered arbitrarily. He added that the university receives power from two dedicated feeders.
“We understand the inconvenience caused by this situation and appeal to the members of the university community for their understanding. EKEDC is committed to providing reliable electricity services, but this is contingent on the timely settlement of bills and adherence to agreed-upon terms,” Lasaki noted.
He assured that EKEDC remains dedicated to resolving the issue amicably and has initiated further discussions with UNILAG’s management to explore feasible solutions, including a phased repayment plan that considers the university’s budgetary constraints.
