As Nigerian greater establishments, particularly the schools, suffocate below rising vitality prices, stakeholders have taken students within the engineering departments of the varied establishments to process, urging them to assume out of the field in direction of an implementable sustainable answer that may guarantee regular energy provide on their campuses. Nonetheless, they consider that this requires enough funding and dedication, with out which the lamentation would proceed, ONYEDIKA AGBEDO and GBENGA SALAU write.
As Nigeria transitions to a completely deregulated economic system, there are ominous indicators that universities within the nation should speedily innovate to internally present their vitality wants or be able to bear the price of energy sourced from exterior sources. Reality is, whether or not it’s the fee of electrical energy payments to the Distribution Firms (DisCos) or powering the campuses with excessive horsepower diesel mills, the administration of the establishments usually are not discovering it straightforward, at present.
Electrical energy tariff has elevated to N206.8 per kilowatt for Band A clients, the place many of the ivory towers are related, following a evaluation by the Nigerian Electrical energy Regulatory Fee (NERC) in Might this 12 months, whereas a litre of diesel now prices between N1030 and N1050. The outcome has been persistent darkness in a number of the establishments over their incapability to pay up their payments or rationing of provide to vital sections of the schools when the generator is switched on to the inconvenience of the employees and college students. As an example, in March this 12 months, the Ibadan Electrical energy Distribution Firm (IBEDC) disconnected the College Faculty Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, over a N400 million debt. The corporate had defined that it disconnected the ability after exhaustive makes an attempt to interact with the hospital’s administration relating to the substantial overdue steadiness, which it stated had endured for over six years. Additionally, in June this 12 months, the Benin Electrical energy Distribution Firm (BEDC) disconnected the College of Benin (UNIBEN) following incapability to achieve an settlement over contentious electrical energy billings for the establishment. Stories had it that the college was paying about N80 million for electrical energy consumption however the BEDC all of the sudden elevated it to between N200 and N280 million. Talking with journalists on the event then, the Vice Chancellor of the college, Prof. Lilian Salami, who can also be Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, confirmed that the present tariff construction being carried out by the DisCos escalated UNIBEN’s month-to-month electrical energy invoice from N80 million to N280 million. She stated: “Proper now, what we’re going by is an electrical energy drawback. Prior to now, the College of Benin may boast a minimum of 20 to 22 hours of sunshine that would run for weeks with no blink.
“However, as quickly because the tariff was up, 300 per cent, we went from N80 million, which was very troublesome for us to pay to N280 million monthly. That even got here when the scholars have been on trip. “So, we have been seeking to hit N300 million monthly. No establishment can survive paying that form of cash with out declaring chapter; we have been on the verge of that, so we’re telling the scholars we will’t pay. “After all, the response we received from the facility distribution firm is to chop off the sunshine, so proper now, the sunshine has been minimize off. We are attempting to make use of diesel and now rationing gentle and the scholars are sad. “Undoubtedly, they will’t be, after they used to have gentle 24/7, working into weeks, months and now you’re saying to them you possibly can solely give them for 4 hours.”
The Eko Electrical energy Distribution Firm (EKEDC) additionally minimize off energy provide to the College of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, in August this 12 months over collected electrical energy payments. In a press release by its Normal Supervisor, Company Communications and Technique, Babatunde Lasaki, the EKEDC stated that UNILAG was disconnected from the facility grid on account of recurring collected excellent funds. The disconnection got here after the college had paid the sum of N180 million as electrical energy invoice for July. The EKEDC nevertheless clarified that the fee solely partially defrayed a small fraction of the excellent debt owed by the college, “which considerably exceeds the quantity paid and at present stands at over N1 billion, that’s N1,035,197,446.43.” It added: “After exhausting all negotiation choices with out reaching a passable decision, the establishment was disconnected on August 27, 2024. We perceive the inconvenience attributable to this example and enchantment to the members of the college group for his or her understanding.
“EKEDC is dedicated to offering dependable electrical energy companies, however that is contingent on the well timed settlement of payments and adherence to agreed-upon phrases.” The College of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) was additionally with out energy provide for a lot of days in September this 12 months following the disconnection of the ability from the nationwide grid by the Enugu Electrical energy Distribution Firm (EEDC) over a reported N172 million electrical energy debt. Many returning college students of the college have been stunned by the event and had urged the administration of the establishment to shortly resolve the difficulty. “We resumed on September 16. Earlier than happening trip, we used to have an everyday energy provide. This time round, it’s a complete energy outage. We would like this matter to be resolved as quickly as attainable as a result of when college students are absolutely again, there could also be protests,” a scholar who spoke on the situation of anonymity stated. Though the affected establishments have resolved their points with the DisCos and are having fun with provide now, the necessity for a sustainable answer can’t be overemphasised. Whereas some stakeholders consider that students within the engineering departments of Nigerian universities should now take it upon themselves to information their establishments to a self-sustainable answer that may guarantee uninterrupted energy provide to the schools, others insist that poor funding of the schools is on the root of the issue. Barely a month in the past, President of the Tutorial Workers Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, raised the alarm that almost all Nigerian universities have been on the verge of shutting down over the insufferable price of electrical energy. Osodeke, who made the assertion in the course of the opening of a two-day nationwide convention convened by ASUU in Abuja with the theme, ‘Nigeria in a State of Normal Disaster: The Seek for a New Path to Improvement’, on Thursday, October 3, blamed the state of affairs on poor funding of the schools. Based on him, whereas public universities obtain N15 million month-to-month from the Federal Authorities as working prices, the electrical energy payments of some universities run between N200 million to N300 million month-to-month.
“A authorities that may give simply N15 million for UNILAG to run, will in flip give one Senator N21 million a month. The federal government offers a system N15 million, however a person will get N21 million. That’s the place our precedence is. “For no matter cause, they’ve refused to fund the college system because it was within the earlier a part of our historical past. From the best way we’re going, if nothing is completed, many universities will shut as a result of they can’t afford the so-called Band A and Band B,” he stated. To the Government Secretary of Tertiary Training Belief Fund (TETFund), Mr. Sunday Echono, there may be an pressing want for elevated funding and collaboration to help Nigeria’s greater schooling establishments amid escalating vitality prices and infrastructure challenges. Talking on the Training Writers Affiliation (EWAN) convention in Lagos, not too long ago, Echono acknowledged {that a} give attention to sustainable vitality options is significant, noting that establishments require substantial vitality to function effectively. “We have to direct our efforts in direction of addressing vitality losses and enhancing the vitality effectivity of our campuses. Establishments at the moment are bearing a threefold enhance in electrical energy bills, a shift that burdens already stretched budgets,” he stated. Acknowledging the toll on tutorial operations, Echono confused that establishments mustn’t solely obtain donations however should additionally see significant investments that empower self-sufficiency. “We now have initiated tasks geared toward renewable vitality adoption to cut back dependency on the nationwide grid, scale back prices, and promote environmental sustainability. By investing in inexperienced vitality, modern analysis, and capacity-building, we will help the tutorial sector in offering each quick options and sustainable progress,” he defined. Nonetheless, the Chief Government Officer (CEO) of Visland Engineering Restricted, Christian Okwori, stated there are three dimensions to the difficulty – technical functionality, financing and administrative challenges. He famous that asking the engineering school to develop a minigrid answer is a superb thought however puzzled if the schools may afford it in addition to create room for losses on account of studying curves. He additionally expressed doubts on the readiness of the college directors to stake their confidence on the engineering colleges. “If the solutions are sure I’ll say it is vitally doable,” he famous. Okwori added that if the establishments problem the engineering school with sufficient funds and time with out undue stress or interference, they may ship. “As well as, there have to be an allowance for errors as some professors could need to keep away from combine up and for that reason select to keep away from such big monetary tasks for the sake of their names,” he stated. He acknowledged that energy choices to the schools are photo voltaic, hydro, wind minigrids or hybrid energy methods however famous that photo voltaic, which is the most effective, is capital intensive. “A top quality 225AH 24V photo voltaic PV from OEMs can price about N2 million or extra and you have to a whole lot if not 1000’s of them to offer sustainable energy for our campus. And which college in Nigeria will need the college professors to regulate such a large funds if in any respect they’ve such cash. “On the executive aspect, the politics in our establishments are very crude and crabby so the inner and exterior challenges can be many, however with enough political will from the best authority just like the Presidency, the issue could be solved,” he stated. Additionally, Mr. Olawale Olanrewaju, an engineer, stated engineering colleges in universities educate engineering science, which, in layman’s phrases, is “idea”. “That is in contrast to the Faculty of Drugs and Faculty of Nursing the place college students spend about half of the course length in buying theoretical data, and the remainder in buying sensible data. “That’s the reason contemporary engineering graduates are required to bear what is named ‘pupilage’, which is the acquisition of sensible data. However, polytechnics are designed to show sensible engineering. “Professor Ayodele Awojobi tried to appropriate this by making a proposal for the inclusion of sensible coaching in college engineering programs, which can necessitate growing the course length by one 12 months. As a primary step, he negotiated with Leventis to construct a sensible workshop in College of Lagos in order that college students will purchase sensible data from the workshop. Nonetheless, the proposal was killed. The remaining is historical past,” he stated. He believes that offering uninterrupted energy provide within the college campuses is possible if the need is there, including: “Redemption Camp has uninterrupted provide of electrical energy off grid. So why not the campuses? I realized that Afe Babalola College has just about uninterrupted provide of electrical energy. Mode of provide of electrical energy could be photo voltaic or fuel generators. Preliminary capital price could also be excessive, but when the need is there, it may be achieved.” On his half, a public coverage and advocacy specialist, Adewale Adeduntan, stated that the disconnect between tutorial analysis and sensible purposes inside Nigerian universities, particularly within the subject of engineering and vitality deficit, is on the root of the problem; describing the state of affairs as a humorous paradox. “On one hand, the presence of established engineering programmes and seasoned professors suggests a powerful basis in technical experience and analysis capabilities. Nonetheless, the continued electrical energy disaster and universities’ struggles with exorbitant energy payments from distribution corporations increase questions on how successfully these establishments are leveraging their data to deal with real-world challenges, notably their very own vitality wants,” he stated. Adeduntan, nevertheless, listed a number of elements that may very well be contributing to this disconnect, which included funding and infrastructure. “Analysis in engineering, notably, in renewable vitality and energy options, requires vital funding, specialised gear, and constant upkeep. Nigerian universities typically face power underfunding, which limits their capability to undertake complete, large-scale vitality tasks or spend money on renewable applied sciences like photo voltaic or mini-grid methods. This monetary constraint can preserve promising analysis concepts from advancing past the theoretical stage,” he stated. He famous that analysis prioritisation and utility is one other issue, stating that whereas universities could conduct each day analysis, the main focus typically leans in direction of theoretical outcomes or publications, which can indirectly handle native points similar to vitality self-sufficiency. Based on him, a stronger emphasis on utilized analysis and {industry} partnerships may facilitate options that not solely profit the schools but in addition supply scalable options for the nationwide grid. Citing coverage and institutional boundaries as one other issue, Adeduntan acknowledged that bureaucratic and regulatory challenges inside universities and the broader vitality sector additionally hinder the deployment of modern options. He added that even when lecturers suggest viable options, implementing these could require navigating complicated administrative or authorities procedures.
“Streamlining these processes may create a extra conducive surroundings for translating analysis into actionable vitality options,” he famous. He additional identified that engineering analysis typically thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration, the place specialists in electrical engineering work alongside specialists in coverage, finance and enterprise to convey options to market, noting that there are expertise and collaboration gaps within the college system. “If universities lack sturdy collaboration frameworks with the personal sector, NGOs, or authorities our bodies, their analysis outputs could wrestle to search out sensible purposes or obtain the funding wanted for pilot tasks,” he added. Based on Adeduntan, give attention to quick wants is one other issue contributing to the state of affairs, noting that going through quick operational and budgetary pressures, universities would possibly prioritise short-term fixes over long-term investments in vitality self-sufficiency. He admitted that though different vitality tasks may finally scale back prices, the upfront capital requirement might sound daunting for establishments already struggling to steadiness their books. He famous that the irony of establishments of studying and innovation grappling with fundamental vitality points in 2024 underscores the necessity for a shift within the nation’s tutorial priorities. To him, by fostering a tradition of utilized analysis, securing devoted funding for sustainable vitality tasks and cultivating stronger partnerships, Nigerian universities may turn out to be pioneers in vitality options, not just for themselves but in addition as fashions for the broader society. Adeduntan affirmed that the disaster the schools are grappling with completely replicate the largely theoretical nature of schooling prevalent in Nigeria. He additional stated that the give attention to idea over sensible utility has deep roots within the construction of the tutorial system, stressing that this disparity performs a big position within the nation’s incapability to deal with sensible challenges like vitality independence. He added: “Right here’s how this theoretical emphasis impacts real-world problem-solving – Curriculum Design: Many Nigerian universities proceed to prioritise observe studying, memorisation, and theoretical assessments over hands-on, experiential studying. Engineering and technical fields demand substantial laboratory and fieldwork, the place college students and researchers can apply theories in managed and sensible settings. With out this, college students could depart with sturdy theoretical data however lack the sensible expertise wanted to innovate within the subject, which stifles problem-solving capabilities in areas like vitality.
“Inadequate emphasis on analysis commercialisation: In international locations with utilized schooling fashions, universities and analysis centres focus closely on ‘analysis commercialization’ — the method of turning analysis findings into market-ready options. In Nigeria, analysis typically stays within the realm of educational publication relatively than real-world utility, partly as a result of the schooling system emphasises data for data’s sake relatively than data for utility. This focus means analysis hardly ever interprets into sensible, scalable options. “Lack of Business Collaboration: One other subject is the restricted interplay between academia and {industry}. In international locations with a extra utilized instructional mannequin, engineering college students and professors regularly accomplice with corporations to work on industry-specific issues, enabling them to develop options which can be related, testable and financially viable. This collaboration exposes college students to real-world challenges and provides them the abilities to bridge the hole between theoretical data and sensible outcomes. “Deficiency in Sensible Sources: Engineering and utilized sciences require superior infrastructure, similar to well-equipped laboratories, entry to the most recent know-how, and funding for experimental tasks. Many Nigerian establishments lack these sources, making it troublesome for college students to interact within the form of experimentation and hands-on work that builds true competence. With out entry to sensible sources, even probably the most formidable analysis concepts stay confined to the classroom. “Overemphasis on Certification over Competency: There’s a cultural emphasis on acquiring levels as a marker of success, generally with out corresponding expertise. This ends in graduates who could have the credentials however lack the problem-solving expertise required of their subject. The precedence on certification relatively than competency implies that sensible expertise, that are very important for addressing points like Nigeria’s vitality disaster, are sometimes neglected. “Minimal Coverage Incentives for Utilized Analysis: Authorities and institutional insurance policies that incentivise universities to give attention to sensible analysis and improvement are restricted. With out these incentives, tutorial programmes could not prioritise or reward utilized analysis, which frequently calls for extra time, sources, and danger than theoretical work.” He confused that for Nigeria to deal with points like its energy disaster, the tutorial system wants a paradigm shift that values sensible utility and {industry} collaboration alongside theoretical understanding. He famous that by restructuring the system to prioritise hands-on coaching, analysis commercialisation, and {industry} linkages, Nigerian universities can produce graduates who usually are not solely educated but in addition able to innovating in ways in which handle native challenges successfully.
Adeduntun stated that there are classes from different international locations that Nigerian universities can choose from when it comes to tackling their vitality disaster. His phrases: “Integration of Renewable Vitality in College Infrastructure: Some universities, notably in growing nations, have invested in renewable vitality sources like photo voltaic, wind, or biomass to energy their campuses. For instance, establishments in international locations like India and Kenya, the place electrical energy entry is inconsistent, have efficiently put in photo voltaic panels, making a mannequin of self-sustaining vitality options. Nigerian universities may replicate this by establishing microgrids or photo voltaic farms that generate renewable vitality for campus use. This might decrease dependency on unreliable public energy whereas demonstrating the feasibility of sustainable vitality options. “College-Business Vitality Partnerships: In international locations like Germany and South Africa, universities accomplice carefully with the personal sector to deal with vitality points. Firms fund analysis in trade for entry to new applied sciences or expertise, and college students acquire real-world expertise in vitality options. Nigerian universities may foster comparable partnerships with corporations within the vitality and know-how sectors. This collaboration may open doorways to funded analysis, internships, and job placements, permitting college students and researchers to work on present, related vitality issues. “Incorporation of Utilized Analysis and Pilot Initiatives: Utilized analysis has been the cornerstone of many universities within the U.S., Canada, Europe, and elements of Asia which have efficiently developed sustainable vitality tasks. As an example, MIT’s Vitality Initiative is closely targeted on sensible, scalable vitality options. Nigerian universities may give attention to comparable fashions, the place small-scale pilot tasks handle native vitality points with the objective of scaling. These tasks may additionally function testbeds for renewable vitality options in Nigerian climates, similar to solar energy variations for areas with frequent mud or cloud cowl. “Public-Non-public Analysis Funding Fashions: Funding is commonly a serious problem for Nigerian universities, however different international locations have adopted modern fashions to deal with this. In Denmark, the federal government, {industry}, and tutorial establishments collectively fund analysis into renewable vitality tasks, making certain sustainable monetary help. Nigeria may set up an identical public-private funding initiative particularly focusing on vitality analysis and university-led pilot tasks, which might encourage utilized options to the vitality disaster. “Neighborhood-Centric College Initiatives: Establishments just like the College of Cape City in South Africa have interaction with native communities on vitality tasks, together with creating solar-powered off-grid methods for rural areas. Nigerian universities, particularly these located in underserved areas, could lead on community-centered initiatives that handle vitality wants each on campus and in close by communities. This method would have the twin impact of lowering prices for each universities and native populations whereas showcasing sensible options for Nigeria’s wider vitality points. “Incorporation of Sustainability in Curriculum: Many world universities combine sustainability and sensible problem-solving into their engineering, science, and enterprise curricula. For instance, in Scandinavian international locations, environmental sustainability is a required part throughout disciplines. Nigerian universities may revise curricula to stress sustainable improvement, renewable vitality, and inexperienced engineering, giving college students the theoretical and sensible instruments to design vitality options. “Creation of Analysis Centres for Renewable Vitality and Sustainability: In international locations like the UK and Germany, devoted analysis centres give attention to renewable vitality and sustainability, typically affiliated with universities. These centres function hubs for utilized analysis and innovation, participating college students, school, and private-sector specialists in vitality options. Establishing comparable centres in Nigerian universities may result in vital developments in renewable vitality analysis and even foster cross-university collaborations inside Nigeria or with world establishments. “Use of Vitality-Environment friendly Applied sciences on Campus: Adopting energy-efficient know-how on campus, similar to LED lighting, energy-efficient heating and cooling methods, and superior constructing designs, is a standard apply in universities in international locations like Japan and the Netherlands. By modelling these practices, Nigerian universities may drastically scale back their vitality consumption and decrease their reliance on grid energy, releasing up sources for different important wants and offering a mannequin of sustainability.” Nonetheless, Adeduntan maintained that Nigerian universities have the potential to deal with their vitality wants innovatively, selling each self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability. He added that by combining renewable vitality tasks, curriculum updates, public-private funding, and group engagement, they may play a big position in bridging Nigeria’s vitality hole and demonstrating sensible options for the nation at giant.
