Theft, illegal connection causing poor power supply in UNN – Acting VC

Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria (UNN), Prof Polycarp Chigbu has blamed illegal connections and theft as causes of poor electricity supply in the institution.

He stated that his administration which came on board four months ago had been met with power rationing, stressing however, that the crisis was being resolved with the aim of proffering lasting solutions to power issues in the school.

The school authorities stated a few months ago that it was spending as much as N80 million monthly to sustain power supplies at her campuses in Enugu, Nsukka and Ituku-Ozalla.

Speaking on Tuesday in Enugu at a press conference to flag off the 53rd convocation ceremony of the school, Prof Chigbu, also explained the opening of the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Power and Energy Development (ACE-SPED) in the school intending to develop quality human capital that would drive sustainable energy solutions.

He said that the Centre in addition to the academic mandate, would champion the University’s effort to provide lasting solutions to its energy needs

READ ALSO:Woman arraigned over alleged theft of palm oil

“We trust that the innovation and research coming out of this centre will play a crucial role in addressing not just the University’s energy concerns, but also contribute to the border goal of ensuring energy security and sustainability for the sub-Saharan region,” he said
Chigbu added that efforts were on to build advanced critical infrastructure projects in keeping with the high regard for a benefitting physical and academic environment in the university to make teaching and learning more conducive.

He said that 11,143 graduates would be awarded various degrees during the convocation. They include first-class honours 195; second class (Upper division) 4165; second class (Lower division) 5197; third class 659; diplomas 16; pass 22 and 889 unclassified.

Chigbu stated that the convocation lecture scheduled for Thursday would be delivered by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, while the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, would chair the occasion.