High Electricity Tariffs: Babcock University Spend N300m Monthly, VC Seeks FG intervention.
By Charles Segun Adegbite
The President/Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Prof. Ademola S. Tayo on Saturday night disclosed that the varsity spent between N250 million and N300 monthly on electricity alone, and called for urgent federal government intervention.
He made this known during the annual media interactions and dinner party the university organized for members of the Education Writers Association of Nigeria, EWAN, in appreciation of their impactful reporting on education issues in the country.
"We pay nothing less than between N250 million to N300 million on electricity, every month despite the fact that we have done so many things to ensure that we bring down the cost of electricity. That's why if you go round the campus now, it is all lighted with solar street lights. Yet we pay through our nose, " the university president said, lamenting.
The event which was attended by education correspondents, education editors and other journalists who write on education from various Nigeria mass media, was anchored by the University's Director of Marketing and Communication, Dr. Joshua Suleiman, who invited them.
"But we want to thank God because I have spent nine years on the seat as Vice Chancellor/President of the university," Prof Tayo added, while expressing dissatisfaction over high cost of electricity tariffs in the country, and the negative effects on university administration.
He explained that in spite of all the challenges he was contented with the salary he received, because God is blessing him and his family.
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He urged the journalists, who he described as endangered species, to continue to be on the side of the truth and keep reporting things that will impact the nation positively.
He appreciated the positive impact the EWAN members played when the issue of minimum age limit for students admission into university in Nigeria cropped up this year and it generated great controversies and confusion.
According to him the efforts of these journalists contributed a lot in getting the issue resolved, when they began to write and report on the age limit palaver.
"We need to thank you for the good jobs you are doing. I know how you have one way or the other taken unpopular stance, even in the face of issues that would have made strong people chicken out," he said.
He acknowledged the pivotal roles the education writers play in shaping discourse surrounding education.
According to him, the journalists call for accountability and transparency among the critical stakeholders within the educational framework. He made it known that the alliance between Babcock University and the EWAN has contributed to the growth of the institution through their education journalism.
We pay nothing less than between N250 million to N300 million on electricity, every month despite the fact that we have done so many things to ensure that we bring down the cost of electricity.
He noted that he has already spent nine years as the president/Vice Chancellor of the university and his tenure would end in 2025. He wants the partnership to be sustained; even while urging them to persist in their accurate reporting, fairness and accountability.
The university president noted that the job of education writers was beyond mere reporting. He said their job transcend mere reporting of events. "As journalists you wield the ability to influence public discourse and ignite positive transformation, just as you did during the period of age limit into the university.
"I saw so many of you and your write ups on the pages of newspapers and your voices heard on radio and television. And I want to thank you very much for contributing to the discourse. Your association has admirably spearheaded this mission through its annual conference.
"I implore you to persist in leveraging this influence to foster peace, empathy and prosperity within our nation, and at a global scale. Let's therefore utilize our professional platforms to advocate for unity, rather than perpetrate division through disparaging of destructive narratives." He added.
He then implored them to seek out narratives that champion unity, compassion and comprehension. He urged them to let them embrace their diversity while concurrently pursuing their communality.
To show full appreciation of these journalists, the President/Vice Chancellor gave an Excellence In Education Journalism Award given to the association which he presented to the EWAN chairman, Mr. Mojeed Alabi of Premium Times.
In response to the award presented to the EWAN, she Chairman expressed appreciation for the good media relationship the university authorities have been maintaining with them and the scholarship given to their members.
He cited the case of one of them, Mrs Medina Kanabe who was given scholarship for her Master's degree in the university.
According to Mr Alabi, Babcock University is an exemplary university that has been maintaining good standards of education in Nigeria and producing well schooled graduates, thereby giving the entire nation and the world quality human capitals.
The beneficiary of the scholarship, Mrs. Kanabe also came out to testify the reception of the scholarship and gave kudos to the university for the way they drilled her during the cause of her research and thesis.
She expressed satisfaction and optimism that with the outcome of the education she received through the rigorous academic exercise she was exposed to before she could earn the Master's degree, she would go for her Ph.D confidently.
In celebration of the 62nd birthday of the University's bursar, a book published by him titled, "Accounting And Finance: A Biblical Perspective." was also presented to the journalists.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor of the university and other principal officers were in attendance; and they had a nice dinner with the journalists.
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