Aliko Dangote University in Darkness As KEDCO Disconnects Power Over N248 Million Debt
KEDCO Disconnects Power, Plunges Aliko Dangote University into Darkness Over N248 Million Debt
By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde
Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology in Wudil, Kano State, has been plunged into darkness due to a power disconnection by the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
The disconnection, which occurred about a week ago, is a result of the university’s failure to pay an outstanding bill exceeding N248 million. This situation has severely disrupted the institution's academic activities.
The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Abdulkadir Dambazau, explained to newsmen on Monday that numerous attempts to persuade KEDCO to restore power have been unsuccessful.
These attempts included a payment of N20 million, which represents the university’s increased monthly subvention from the State Government.
Despite these efforts, KEDCO has remained firm in its demand for the full settlement of the arrears before reconnection to the National Grid.
Dambazau emphasized that, with a population of 28,000, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology is facing significant challenges in maintaining its services, including academics and water supply.
"Electricity is crucial for the operations of the institution, given its focus as a University of Science and Technology."
He warned that the situation could worsen when students return from their end-of-semester break.
OPEN TELEVISION Naija gathered that the university, which was formerly now as Kano State University of Science and Technology has implemented local load shedding to reduce electricity consumption, which has slightly lowered the monthly bill to just over N50 million.
Despite these efforts, the university has reached out to the state government for assistance, requesting a bailout to resolve the crisis.
The Government is currently considering this request. "There are three potential solutions — receiving a bailout from the state government, passing the burden onto students, or shutting down the institution entirely, Prof. Dambazau outlined.
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