The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has proposed electricity Subsidy for Students and Tertiary Institutions in the country .
This was made known by the NANS Senate President Akinteye Babatunde Afeez during a meeting with the Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu on the current state of power Sector in the country.
According to NANS the proposed Electricity Subsidy for Students and Tertiary Institutions in the country will not only support their educational pursuits but aid both teachings and academic activities.
While appreciating the Minister for the strides made so far especially the recent increase in power generation from 3000 to 5000 megawatts in a short period,the NANS reiterated that the increase in tuition fees coupled with high electricity tariff plan will further add to financial burden on students.
” The meeting revolved around the Minister’s overview and current state of the Ministry, epileptic power supply and increased tariff, proposal for electricity subsidy for students, strategies for stable power supply, intermediary for information bridging, challenges and solutions in the power sector and alternative power generation initiatives.Recall that the leadership of NANS had earlier called for a protest that was later shelved to give room for dialogue”
“The meeting began with Chief Adelabu providing a critical overview of the power ministry’s state before his assumption.The significant decay and inefficiencies present when he assumed office.This context set the stage for understanding the challenges and the progress made under Adebayo Adelabu leadership.” NANS said.
The proposed protest according to Babatunde Akinteye was later shelved to dialogue was fueled by students dissatisfaction over epileptic power supply and increased electricity tariffs, was a focal point.
In his response the Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu appreciated NANS for remain a formidable force towards ensuring good governance and accountability.
The Minister told the NANS that currently government is owing generating company 1.3 trillion Naira and Gas company 1.3 billion Dollar hence the need for stoppage of power supply which dropped to 2000 megawatts.
Adelabu said the Ministry has made significant improvements through power generation from 3,000 to 5,000 megawatts and currently working to reduce some bottle neck in the lower Sector.
” The power sector faces numerous challenges from generation to transmission and to distribution, including outdated infrastructure, theft, and vandalism of equipment.Therefore, the ministry is adopting problem-solving skills and strategic solutions, emphasizing resource management and business acumen. Plans include enhancing financial management to ensure continuity in power generation, transmission, and distribution.”
“The Minister elaborated on several initiatives aimed at alternative power generation, Agricultural integration, implementing solar power solutions for students and off-grid solutions for teaching hospitals and universities such as UI, UNILAG, OAU, ABU, UNIABUJA are expected to be among beneficiaries while working towards introducing subsidies to reduce costs for students and other sectors, establishing an Emergency Restoration System (ERS) to expedite fixing power outages.” Adelabu said
It is also crucial to note that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR recently signef bill allowing States to generate their own power, promoting competition and potentially reducing tariffs over time.
Chief Adelabu also highlighted the energy transition plan of the Ministry which includes distributing over three million solar systems and integrating solar power into the grid alongside existing hydro and gas sources.
The Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu urged Nigerians to continue to support the ministry in its lofty programmes and policies aimed at restoring the lost glory of power Sector and ensure stable power supply.