Varsity in Darkness: FG bails out ABU, pays N1bn electricity debt

The Federal Government has bailed out Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria with the payment of N1 billion for electricity bill.

The varsity has been in darkness as a result of non-payment of electricity bill.

The darkness in the foremost institution has halted academic activities.

David Adejo, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education made the revelation, during a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Students Loans.

Adejo was, on Tuesday, August 15, defending the increase in the charges the federal universities collect.

Tinubu to Nigerians: Petrol price won’t go up

He lamented that despite the increment in the charges of the universities, they have not been able to meet up with some of their expenses.

The Perm Sec said: “For example, we had to bail out Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria with about N1 billion to pay its electricity bill. The school just resume academic sessions because they were in darkness.

“They were supposed to build theatres and we told them, you cannot build theatre when you are in the dark because you need power to operate.”

Adejo said the charges collected by the institutions were used to pay for some of their services, including electricity bills.

He faulted claims that the signing of the students loan act was responsible for some of the hike in the university charges.

The Star