The University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, Edo State, has resorted to load shedding following the astronomical rise in its electricity bill as a result of the recent hike in tariff by the Nigerian government, CAMPUS GIST reports.

The University’s management in a memo to its community, titled: ‘Update on Power Supply to University Community’, sighted by CAMPUS GIST, said it could no longer cope with the new tariff which resulted to a consumption of N280m for the month of April, 2024.

UNIBEN revealed that it had entered into negotiation with Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) over the development.

The statement reads, "It has become necessary to bring to the notice of the Provost, Deans, Directors and members of the University community the adverse consequences resulting from the 340% increment on electricity tariff by NERC particularly to Band A consumers where the University is currently connected.

"Our April bill is about 280 million from the former bill of about 80 million Naira therefore, Management is left with no other option than load shedding to reduce cost whilst negotiation continues with BEDC. Normalcy of power supply will be restored as soon as negotiations are concluded.

"Management appreciates your usual support, understanding and regrets any inconveniences the increment may have caused you."

blackmantis:
With N500m Uniben can go completely off grid with Solar

Flier:
STop this nonsense! It might take up to 5 Billion naira to power UNIBEN with solar
Solar isn’t affordable.

NaijaNaWaa:
If they invest N3b in solar, they will look back and curse the years they were wasting their time and money on those useless overpriced DISCOs.

Sam42222:
Where I nthe world is a certain group of ppl placed the the whole burden of tariff cost because they are in ban A,because they are giving more electricity we have clueless leaders the tariff cost should be shared evenly since prepaid meters are used so it will be based on your consumption

guysbewise:
N280m for the month? Why not get solar or a gen instead?

NaijaNaWaa:
If they invest N3b in solar, they will look back and curse the years they were wasting their time and money on those useless overpriced DISCOs.

jmoore:
Are they on estimated billing, postpaid or prepaid?

Secondly, are the hostels included in the bill? If they are, how do you stop students from using electric stove? That appliance is an energy glutton.