The House of Representatives has explained why it is pushing for the removal of Federal Universities from the Band A electricity tariff plan to alleviate their substantial electricity bills.
Rep. Abubakar Fulata, Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, made this announcement on Friday in Abuja following the committee’s oversight visit to Federal Universities in the Northeast.
The universities visited included Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and Federal University Kashare, Gombe State.
Fulata highlighted that efforts are underway to reclassify universities and other tertiary institutions out of the Band A electricity tariff bracket.
He emphasized the committee’s commitment to addressing barriers that hinder the effective operation of these institutions.
Fulata expressed confidence that the government would heed their request and adjust the tariff plan for universities, similar to the recent changes made for the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
The committee noted that many universities are struggling with their electricity bills due to recent tariff increases. Fulata also urged the management of the two universities to adhere to relevant legal frameworks, including the Appropriation Act.
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Rep. Victor Ogene, a committee member, raised concerns about discrepancies in the income and expenditure records of ATBU between 2021 and 2023. He questioned the appropriateness of spending more than N5 million on maintaining a school guest house that generates less than N800,000 in income.
Rep. Adamu Gamawa, another committee member, stressed that extra-budgetary spending is unconstitutional and should be avoided. He pointed out that if an institution budgets N10 million, it should not exceed this amount without a supplementary budget.
Prof. Sani Kunya, Vice-Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, expressed gratitude to the committee and requested their support in addressing the university’s challenges.
Similarly, Prof. Usman Pate, Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Kashare, appreciated the lawmakers for their visit and highlighted that security concerns are affecting the willingness of lecturers to work at the institution.