University of Nigeria’s monthly energy bill hits N80m

…VC seeks alternative energy sources

Beset by an increase in spending on monthly electricity supply, authorities of the University of Nigeria (UNN) have come up with an alternative means of generating power in order to boost electricity supply within the university community.

This innovation of power generation tagged “Waste to Wealth”, which transforms organic waste into biogas, and in turn, generates energy, is a gasification project being carried out by the university management.

UNN’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charles Igwe had while addressing guests at the 49th convocation ceremony held on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th June 2021, lamented that the university currently spends an average of N80 million on energy supply every month in the three campuses of the university to Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EDDC).

According to Professor Igwe, this is in addition to the cost of procuring diesel used in powering the university’s generators for electricity generation in the three campuses.

Professor Igwe revealed that the alternative energy project was a 500 KVA gasification plant being built to alleviate energy challenges suffered within the Nsukka campus of the university.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the lack of funds was hindering the completion of the project.