•House of Representatives
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to direct the Federal Ministry of Power, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, electricity distribution companies and other relevant agencies to urgently place public tertiary institutions on the Service-Based Tariff of Band “C” or lower to ensure affordable electricity rates.
The House also mandated its Committees on Power, Tertiary Education, and Services to engage with relevant stakeholders and ensure compliance with this resolution, reports The PUNCH.
The resolutions of the House were sequel to the adoption of a motion brought on the floor during Thursday’s plenary by the member representing Birniwa/Guri/Kiri-Kasamma Federal Constituency, Jigawa State, Mr Hassan Fulata.
Canvassing support for the motion, the All Progressives Congress lawmaker described tertiary education as a vehicle for the socio-economic and technological advancement of any country.
He condemned the recent hike in electricity tariffs, which he said has led to power cuts in some public-owned tertiary institutions.
Fulata said, “The House is concerned that due to inadequate funding by the federal government, public institutions are unable to function optimally. The recent hike in electricity tariffs and the subsequent power cuts for defaulting institutions have plunged many into total darkness, threatening the integrity of vital equipment and compromising the safety of students and staff.
“The House is concerned that the inability to use essential learning tools has provoked student unrest, leading to the closure of affected institutions and a disruption in academic activities.
“The House is worried that the continued suspension of academic operations could exacerbate frustration among students, potentially leading to grave socio-economic consequences and instability.”
He noted that Section 14 (2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary responsibility of the government, stressing that Section 18 (1) of the Constitution mandates the Federal Government to ensure equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels.
He warned that if immediate steps are not taken to restore power and make electricity affordable for public institutions, “they may be forced to raise fees to meet rising electricity costs. This could result in further violent resistance from students, with potentially dire consequences for national peace and stability.”
When the motion was out to a voice vote, lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in support as Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the plenary session, urged the immediate restoration of power to public tertiary institutions that have been cut off.
He noted that this was to ensure the continuation of academic activities, thus safeguarding the security and welfare of students and staff members alike.
