Energy crisis in Ivory Towers: Why dearth of innovative solutions persists
As Nigerian higher institutions, especially the universities, suffocate under rising energy costs, stakeholders have taken scholars in the engineering departments of the various institutions to task, urging them to think out of the box towards an implementable sustainable solution that will ensure steady power supply on their campuses. However, they believe that this requires adequate funding and commitment, without which the lamentation would continue, ONYEDIKA AGBEDO and GBENGA SALAU write.
As Nigeria transitions to a fully deregulated economy, there are ominous signs that universities in the country must speedily innovate to internally provide their energy needs or be ready to bear the cost of power sourced from external sources. Truth is, whether it’s the payment of electricity bills to the Distribution Companies (DisCos) or powering the campuses with high horsepower diesel generators, the management of the institutions are not finding it easy, currently.
Electricity tariff has increased to N206.8 per kilowatt for Band A customers, where most of the ivory towers are connected, following a review by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in May this year, while a litre of diesel now costs between N1030 and N1050. The result has been persistent darkness in some of the institutions over their inability to pay up their bills or rationing of supply to critical sections of the universities when the generator is switched on to the inconvenience of the staff and students.
For instance, in March this year, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) disconnected the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, over a N400 million debt. The company had explained that it disconnected the facility after exhaustive attempts to engage with the hospital’s management regarding the substantial overdue balance, which it said had persisted for over six years.
Also, in June this year, the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) disconnected the University of Benin (UNIBEN) following inability to reach an agreement over contentious electricity billings for the institution.
Reports had it that the university was paying about N80 million for electricity consumption but the BEDC suddenly increased it to between N200 and N280 million.
Speaking with journalists on the development then, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Lilian Salami, who is also Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, confirmed that the current tariff structure being implemented by the DisCos escalated UNIBEN’s monthly electricity bill from N80 million to N280 million.
She said: “Right now, what we are going through is an electricity problem. Before now, the University of Benin could boast at least 20 to 22 hours of light that could run for weeks without a blink.
“But, as soon as the tariff was up, 300 per cent, we went from N80 million, which was very difficult for us to pay to N280 million per month. That even came when the students were on vacation.
“So, we were looking to hit N300 million per month. No institution can survive paying that kind of money without declaring bankruptcy; we were on the verge of that, so we are telling the students we can’t pay.
“Of course, the reaction we got from the power distribution company is to cut off the light, so right now, the light has been cut off. We are trying to use diesel and now rationing light and the students are unhappy.
“Definitely, they can’t be, when they used to have light 24/7, running into weeks, months and now you are saying to them you can only give them for four hours.”
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) also cut off power supply to the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, in August this year over accumulated electricity bills. In a statement by its General Manager, Corporate Communications and Strategy, Babatunde Lasaki, the EKEDC said that UNILAG was disconnected from the power grid due to recurring accumulated outstanding payments. The disconnection came after the university had paid the sum of N180 million as electricity bill for July.
The EKEDC however clarified that the payment only partially defrayed a small fraction of the outstanding debt owed by the university, “which significantly exceeds the amount paid and currently stands at over N1 billion, that is N1,035,197,446.43.”
It added: “After exhausting all negotiation options without reaching a satisfactory resolution, the institution was disconnected on August 27, 2024. We understand the inconvenience caused by this situation and appeal to the members of the university community for their understanding.
“EKEDC is committed to providing reliable electricity services, but this is contingent on the timely settlement of bills and adherence to agreed-upon terms.”
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) was also without power supply for many days in September this year following the disconnection of the facility from the national grid by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) over a reported N172 million electricity debt. Many returning students of the university were taken aback by the development and had urged the management of the institution to quickly resolve the issue.
“We resumed on September 16. Before going on vacation, we used to have a regular power supply. This time around, it is a total power outage. We want this matter to be resolved as soon as possible because when students are fully back, there may be protests,” a student who spoke on the condition of anonymity said.
Although the affected institutions have resolved their issues with the DisCos and are enjoying supply now, the need for a sustainable solution cannot be overemphasised. While some stakeholders believe that scholars in the engineering departments of Nigerian universities must now take it upon themselves to guide their institutions to a self-sustainable solution that will ensure uninterrupted power supply to the universities, others insist that poor funding of the universities is at the root of the problem.
Barely a month ago, President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, raised the alarm that most Nigerian universities were on the verge of shutting down over the unbearable cost of electricity.
Osodeke, who made the assertion during the opening of a two-day national conference convened by ASUU in Abuja with the theme, ‘Nigeria in a State of General Crisis: The Search for a New Path to Development’, on Thursday, October 3, blamed the situation on poor funding of the universities.
According to him, while public universities receive N15 million monthly from the Federal Government as running costs, the electricity bills of some universities run between N200 million to N300 million monthly.
“A government that will give just N15 million for UNILAG to run, will in turn give one Senator N21 million a month. The government gives a system N15 million, but an individual gets N21 million. That’s where our priority is.
“For whatever reason, they have refused to fund the university system as it was in the earlier part of our history. From the way we are going, if nothing is done, many universities will close because they cannot afford the so-called Band A and Band B,” he said.
To the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Mr. Sunday Echono, there is an urgent need for increased investment and collaboration to support Nigeria’s higher education institutions amid escalating energy costs and infrastructure challenges.
Speaking at the Education Writers Association (EWAN) conference in Lagos, recently, Echono stated that a focus on sustainable energy solutions is vital, noting that institutions require substantial energy to operate efficiently.
“We need to direct our efforts towards addressing energy losses and enhancing the energy efficiency of our campuses. Institutions are now bearing a threefold increase in electricity expenses, a shift that burdens already stretched budgets,” he said.
Acknowledging the toll on academic operations, Echono stressed that institutions should not only receive donations but must also see meaningful investments that empower self-sufficiency.
“We have initiated projects aimed at renewable energy adoption to reduce dependency on the national grid, reduce costs, and promote environmental sustainability. By investing in green energy, innovative research, and capacity-building, we can support the educational sector in providing both immediate solutions and sustainable growth,” he explained.
However, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Visland Engineering Limited, Christian Okwori, said there are three dimensions to the issue – technical capability, financing and administrative challenges.
He noted that asking the engineering faculty to develop a minigrid solution is a great idea but wondered if the universities could afford it as well as create room for losses due to learning curves. He also expressed doubts on the readiness of the university administrators to stake their confidence on the engineering faculties.
“If the answers are yes I will say it is very doable,” he noted. Okwori added that if the institutions challenge the engineering faculty with enough funds and time without undue pressure or interference, they will deliver.
“In addition, there must be an allowance for mistakes as some professors may want to avoid mix up and for this reason choose to avoid such huge financial projects for the sake of their names,” he said. He stated that power options to the universities are solar, hydro, wind minigrids or hybrid power systems but noted that solar, which is the best, is capital intensive.
“A high quality 225AH 24V solar PV from OEMs can cost about N2 million or more and you will need hundreds if not thousands of them to provide sustainable power for our campus. And which university in Nigeria will want the faculty professors to control such a massive budget if at all they have such money.
“On the administrative side, the politics in our institutions are very crude and crabby so the internal and external challenges will be many, but with adequate political will from the highest authority like the Presidency, the problem can be solved,” he said. Also, Mr. Olawale Olanrewaju, an engineer, said engineering faculties in universities teach engineering science, which, in layman’s terms, is “theory”.
“This is unlike the College of Medicine and School of Nursing where students spend about half of the course duration in acquiring theoretical knowledge, and the rest in acquiring practical knowledge.
“That is why fresh engineering graduates are required to undergo what is called ‘pupilage’, which is the acquisition of practical knowledge. On the other hand, polytechnics are designed to teach practical engineering.
“Professor Ayodele Awojobi tried to correct this by making a proposal for the inclusion of practical training in university engineering courses, which will necessitate increasing the course duration by one year. As a first step, he negotiated with Leventis to build a practical workshop in University of Lagos so that students will acquire practical knowledge from the workshop. However, the proposal was killed. The rest is history,” he said.
He believes that providing uninterrupted power supply in the university campuses is feasible if the will is there, adding: “Redemption Camp has uninterrupted supply of electricity off grid. So why not the campuses? I learned that Afe Babalola University has virtually uninterrupted supply of electricity. Mode of supply of electricity can be solar or gas turbines. Initial capital cost may be high, but if the will is there, it can be done.”
On his part, a public policy and advocacy specialist, Adewale Adeduntan, said that the disconnect between academic research and practical applications within Nigerian universities, especially in the field of engineering and energy deficit, is at the root of the challenge; describing the situation as a funny paradox.
“On one hand, the presence of established engineering programmes and seasoned professors suggests a strong foundation in technical expertise and research capabilities. However, the ongoing electricity crisis and universities’ struggles with exorbitant power bills from distribution companies raise questions about how effectively these institutions are leveraging their knowledge to address real-world challenges, particularly their own energy needs,” he said. Adeduntan, however, listed several factors that could be contributing to this disconnect, which included funding and infrastructure.
“Research in engineering, particularly, in renewable energy and power solutions, requires significant funding, specialised equipment, and consistent maintenance. Nigerian universities often face chronic underfunding, which limits their ability to undertake comprehensive, large-scale energy projects or invest in renewable technologies like solar or mini-grid systems. This financial constraint can keep promising research ideas from advancing beyond the theoretical stage,” he said.
He noted that research prioritisation and application is another factor, pointing out that while universities may conduct daily research, the focus often leans towards theoretical outcomes or publications, which may not directly address local issues such as energy self-sufficiency.
According to him, a stronger emphasis on applied research and industry partnerships could facilitate solutions that not only benefit the universities but also offer scalable solutions for the national grid.
Citing policy and institutional barriers as another factor, Adeduntan stated that bureaucratic and regulatory challenges within universities and the broader energy sector also hinder the deployment of innovative solutions. He added that even if academics propose viable solutions, implementing these may require navigating complex administrative or government procedures.
“Streamlining these processes could create a more conducive environment for translating research into actionable energy solutions,” he noted. He further pointed out that engineering research often thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration, where experts in electrical engineering work alongside specialists in policy, finance and business to bring solutions to market, noting that there are skills and collaboration gaps in the university system.
“If universities lack strong collaboration frameworks with the private sector, NGOs, or government bodies, their research outputs may struggle to find practical applications or receive the funding needed for pilot projects,” he added.
According to Adeduntan, focus on immediate needs is another factor contributing to the situation, noting that facing immediate operational and budgetary pressures, universities might prioritise short-term fixes over long-term investments in energy self-sufficiency. He admitted that although alternative energy projects could eventually reduce costs, the upfront capital requirement might seem daunting for institutions already struggling to balance their books.
He noted that the irony of institutions of learning and innovation grappling with basic energy issues in 2024 underscores the need for a shift in the nation’s academic priorities.
To him, by fostering a culture of applied research, securing dedicated funding for sustainable energy projects and cultivating stronger partnerships, Nigerian universities could become pioneers in energy solutions, not only for themselves but also as models for the broader society.
Adeduntan affirmed that the crisis the universities are grappling with absolutely reflect the largely theoretical nature of education prevalent in Nigeria. He further said that the focus on theory over practical application has deep roots in the structure of the educational system, stressing that this disparity plays a significant role in the country’s inability to address practical challenges like energy independence.
He added: “Here’s how this theoretical emphasis affects real-world problem-solving – Curriculum Design: Many Nigerian universities continue to prioritise note learning, memorisation, and theoretical assessments over hands-on, experiential learning. Engineering and technical fields demand substantial laboratory and fieldwork, where students and researchers can apply theories in controlled and practical settings. Without this, students may leave with strong theoretical knowledge but lack the practical skills needed to innovate in the field, which stifles problem-solving capabilities in areas like energy.
“Insufficient emphasis on research commercialisation: In countries with applied education models, universities and research centres focus heavily on ‘research commercialization’ — the process of turning research findings into market-ready solutions. In Nigeria, research often remains in the realm of academic publication rather than real-world application, partly because the education system emphasises knowledge for knowledge’s sake rather than knowledge for utility. This focus means research rarely translates into practical, scalable solutions.
“Lack of Industry Collaboration: Another issue is the limited interaction between academia and industry. In countries with a more applied educational model, engineering students and professors frequently partner with companies to work on industry-specific problems, enabling them to develop solutions that are relevant, testable and financially viable. This collaboration exposes students to real-world challenges and gives them the skills to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical outcomes.
“Deficiency in Practical Resources: Engineering and applied sciences require advanced infrastructure, such as well-equipped laboratories, access to the latest technology, and funding for experimental projects. Many Nigerian institutions lack these resources, making it difficult for students to engage in the kind of experimentation and hands-on work that builds true competence. Without access to practical resources, even the most ambitious research ideas remain confined to the classroom.
“Overemphasis on Certification over Competency: There is a cultural emphasis on obtaining degrees as a marker of success, sometimes without corresponding skills. This results in graduates who may have the credentials but lack the problem-solving skills required in their field. The priority on certification rather than competency means that practical skills, which are vital for addressing issues like Nigeria’s energy crisis, are often overlooked.
“Minimal Policy Incentives for Applied Research: Government and institutional policies that incentivise universities to focus on practical research and development are limited. Without these incentives, academic programmes may not prioritise or reward applied research, which often demands more time, resources, and risk than theoretical work.”
He stressed that for Nigeria to tackle issues like its power crisis, the educational system needs a paradigm shift that values practical application and industry collaboration alongside theoretical understanding. He noted that by restructuring the system to prioritise hands-on training, research commercialisation, and industry linkages, Nigerian universities can produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of innovating in ways that address local challenges effectively.
Adeduntun said that there are lessons from other countries that Nigerian universities can pick from in terms of tackling their energy crisis. His words: “Integration of Renewable Energy in University Infrastructure: Some universities, particularly in developing nations, have invested in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or biomass to power their campuses. For example, institutions in countries like India and Kenya, where electricity access is inconsistent, have successfully installed solar panels, creating a model of self-sustaining energy solutions. Nigerian universities could replicate this by establishing microgrids or solar farms that generate renewable energy for campus use. This would lower dependency on unreliable public power while demonstrating the feasibility of sustainable energy solutions.
“University-Industry Energy Partnerships: In countries like Germany and South Africa, universities partner closely with the private sector to address energy issues. Companies fund research in exchange for access to new technologies or talent, and students gain real-world experience in energy solutions. Nigerian universities could foster similar partnerships with companies in the energy and technology sectors. This collaboration could open doors to funded research, internships, and job placements, allowing students and researchers to work on current, relevant energy problems.
“Incorporation of Applied Research and Pilot Projects: Applied research has been the cornerstone of many universities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia that have successfully developed sustainable energy projects. For instance, MIT’s Energy Initiative is heavily focused on practical, scalable energy solutions. Nigerian universities could focus on similar models, where small-scale pilot projects address local energy issues with the goal of scaling. These projects could also serve as testbeds for renewable energy solutions in Nigerian climates, such as solar power adaptations for regions with frequent dust or cloud cover.
“Public-Private Research Funding Models: Funding is often a major challenge for Nigerian universities, but other countries have adopted innovative models to tackle this. In Denmark, the government, industry, and academic institutions collectively fund research into renewable energy projects, ensuring sustainable financial support. Nigeria could establish a similar public-private funding initiative specifically targeting energy research and university-led pilot projects, which would encourage applied solutions to the energy crisis.
“Community-Centric University Initiatives: Institutions like the University of Cape Town in South Africa engage with local communities on energy projects, including creating solar-powered off-grid systems for rural areas. Nigerian universities, especially those situated in underserved regions, could lead community-centered initiatives that address energy needs both on campus and in nearby communities. This approach would have the dual effect of reducing costs for both universities and local populations while showcasing practical solutions for Nigeria’s wider energy issues.
“Incorporation of Sustainability in Curriculum: Many global universities integrate sustainability and practical problem-solving into their engineering, science, and business curricula. For example, in Scandinavian countries, environmental sustainability is a required component across disciplines. Nigerian universities could revise curricula to emphasise sustainable development, renewable energy, and green engineering, giving students the theoretical and practical tools to design energy solutions.
“Creation of Research Centres for Renewable Energy and Sustainability: In countries like the United Kingdom and Germany, dedicated research centres focus on renewable energy and sustainability, often affiliated with universities. These centres serve as hubs for applied research and innovation, engaging students, faculty, and private-sector experts in energy solutions. Establishing similar centres in Nigerian universities could lead to significant advancements in renewable energy research and even foster cross-university collaborations within Nigeria or with global institutions.
“Use of Energy-Efficient Technologies on Campus: Adopting energy-efficient technology on campus, such as LED lighting, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and advanced building designs, is a common practice in universities in countries like Japan and the Netherlands. By modelling these practices, Nigerian universities could drastically reduce their energy consumption and lower their reliance on grid power, freeing up resources for other essential needs and providing a model of sustainability.”
Nonetheless, Adeduntan maintained that Nigerian universities have the potential to address their energy needs innovatively, promoting both self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability. He added that by combining renewable energy projects, curriculum updates, public-private funding, and community engagement, they could play a significant role in bridging Nigeria’s energy gap and demonstrating practical solutions for the nation at large.
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