The House of Representatives in Nigeria has announced plans to remove federal universities from the Band A electricity tariff plan to alleviate the high electricity bills these institutions face. Rep. Abubakar Fulata, Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, made this statement after overseeing federal universities in the Northeast, including Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi and Federal University Kashare in Gombe State.
Fulata expressed optimism that the government would heed their request, similar to the adjustments made for the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). The committee found that many universities struggle to pay their electricity bills due to the high tariffs. Fulata also urged university management to comply with relevant laws, especially the Appropriation Act.
During the oversight visit, Rep. Victor Ogene pointed out discrepancies in the financial records of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, questioning the appropriateness of spending significantly more on maintenance than the revenue generated from facilities like the guest house. Rep. Adamu Gamawa emphasized that extra-budgetary spending is unconstitutional.
Prof. Sani Kunya, Vice-Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, and Prof. Usman Pate, Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Kashare, both acknowledged the committee’s efforts and sought legislative support to address their institutions’ challenges, including infrastructure and security issues.