Aliko Dangote University Plunged into Darkness Over Unpaid N248 Million Electricity Bill

By Abass Ganiyu
The Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology in Wudil, Kano State, has been facing severe disruptions following the disconnection of its power supply by the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO). The disconnection, which occurred about a week ago, is due to the institution's inability to settle its outstanding electricity bill amounting to over N248 million.

Prof. Abdulkadir Dambazau, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, explained the university's predicament to newsmen on Monday. Despite various efforts to negotiate with KEDCO, including a recent payment of N20 million from the university’s enhanced monthly subvention provided by the state government, the power company has remained adamant about reconnecting the institution without full settlement of the bill.

The disconnection has severely impacted the university's operations, particularly affecting academic activities and essential services like water supply. With a student population of 28,000, the lack of electricity poses significant challenges for the University of Science and Technology.

"Electricity is critical to the operations of the institution in view of its nature as a University of Science and Technology," stated Prof. Dambazau. He warned that the situation might worsen when students return from their end-of-semester break.

In an attempt to manage the situation, the university has implemented local load shedding to reduce its electricity consumption, which has resulted in a slight decrease in the monthly bill to just over N50 million.

The university has appealed to the state government for financial assistance to resolve the crisis. Prof. Dambazau highlighted three potential solutions: state government intervention, students bearing the financial burden, or the management shutting down the institution.

The current situation has left the university community in a state of uncertainty, awaiting a resolution to restore normalcy and ensure the continuation of its academic programs.

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