The Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology in Wudil, Kano State, has been plunged into darkness following the disconnection of its power supply by the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
This disconnection occurred about a week ago due to the university’s inability to pay its accumulated outstanding bill of over N248 million, severely disrupting the institution’s academic activities.
Professor Abdulkadir Dambazau, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, described the university’s ordeal to reporters on Monday.
He explained that various efforts to persuade KEDCO to restore the university’s connection to the national grid were unsuccessful, as the company insisted on the full settlement of the outstanding bill.
These efforts included a payment of N20 million, which was part of the university’s increased monthly subvention from the state government.
With a population of 28,000, the university is facing significant challenges in maintaining its operations, particularly affecting academic activities and water supply.
Dambazau emphasized that electricity is crucial for the university, given its focus on science and technology.
He warned that the situation could worsen when students return from their end-of-semester break.
The university has already implemented local load shedding to reduce its electricity consumption, which has slightly lowered the monthly bill to just over N50 million.
In response to the crisis, the university has appealed to the state government for intervention.
Dambazau stated that the request is currently under consideration. He outlined three potential solutions for the university: government intervention, passing the financial burden onto the students, or shutting down the institution entirely.
