The Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Prof. Ademola Tayo, has called on the federal government to intervene and alleviate the financial burden faced by private universities due to high electricity tariffs.
He emphasized that these institutions are struggling with exorbitant power bills, which are affecting their operations.
Prof. Tayo made this appeal while hosting members of the Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN) at the university’s Ilishan campus over the weekend.
He pointed out that both private and public universities are contributing to the development of the same society by producing graduates, and that the contributions of private universities should not be overlooked.
He highlighted the recent government intervention that saw a 50% subsidy for electricity bills in 37 federal universities and seven teaching hospitals, and urged the government to extend similar assistance to private universities.
“We are currently paying between N250 million and N300 million monthly for electricity bills from the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company. This is unsustainable, despite our efforts to reduce dependence on the national grid by using our own Independent Power Plant (IPP) and solar power for streetlights,” he stated.
In a previous address during the university’s convocation in July, Prof. Tayo had raised concerns that the rising electricity costs were becoming a serious challenge for universities across the country.
He reiterated that the federal government’s intervention for public universities should be extended to private institutions, which are also contributing significantly to national development.
While expressing gratitude for the support received from the Education Writers Association over the years, Prof. Tayo urged journalists to continue upholding their integrity by adhering to the principles of fairness and objectivity in their reporting.
He praised the role of education journalists in influencing policy and promoting accountability within the education sector.
“Your dedication to reporting on educational issues, your commitment to fairness, and your passion for advancing excellence in education have greatly influenced government decisions and institutional reforms,” Prof. Tayo said.
“We are grateful for the impact your work has had on Babcock University and on the broader educational landscape.”
Reflecting on his administration’s accomplishments, Prof. Tayo outlined several key achievements, including the establishment of an entrepreneurship training center in Ekiti, the creation of Babcock Business School in Lagos, the expansion of the Center for Open Distance Learning, and the diversification of academic programs.
He also mentioned improvements in infrastructure, research capabilities, and community engagement as part of the university’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence.
Prof. Tayo also reminded the media of their crucial role in promoting unity and transparency in Nigeria, stressing the importance of accurate information and accountability in fostering national progress.
Mojeed Alabi, Chairman of the Education Writers Association of Nigeria, expressed gratitude to Babcock University’s management for their warm hospitality and for recognizing the vital role the media plays in the development of the country.
