The Vice Chancellor, Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has bemoaned the unstable power supply, describing the situation as a recurring challenge across the campus.
Addressing officials of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Anyigba Branch, on Thursday, Prof. Usman explained that after a familiarization visit to the faculties of the University and subsequent discussions with AEDC officials, he discovered discrepancies between the company’s explanations and reports from the University community, which necessitated the emergency meeting.
Prof. Usman, who led the management of the institution to the electricity distribution company, emphasized the strong relationship between the University and AEDC, noting that the presence of the University has significantly contributed to the growth and population of Anyigba, thereby expanding AEDC’s customer base.
He expressed concern that the persistent lack of electricity has forced many lecturers and staff members to relocate from the campus in search of more reliable power supply, prompting the university management to declare a state of emergency on electricity and water supply.
He also recalled that during the administration of former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hassan Isah, the university invested substantial resources to procure a dedicated power line as advised by the then National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), yet the campus still experiences severe power shortages.
University officials reported that electricity supply on campus has remained highly irregular, sometimes lasting only few hours and occasionally disappearing for days.
Responding to the concerns, the AEDC Manager in Anyigba, Mr. Benjamin Monday, attributed the disruptions to factors such as damaged power lines, falling trees, heavy-duty trailers, and low megawatt allocation to the Kogi East region.
The Vice-Chancellor, however, stressed that the University deserves better service as one of AEDC’s highest-paying customers in the area.
He warned that if the situation persists, the University may explore alternative energy options, including collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency to establish a mini-grid and deploy solar solutions.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing commitment to improved collaboration and better electricity supply to the University community.
