The University of Ibadan (UI) spends about N40 million monthly to generate power, the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the institution, Prof. Folorunsho Adewole has declared.
Prof. Adewole who made the disclosure at the Trenchard Hall, during a press conference told journalists that the institution is spending heavily to improve power supply and that almost N1 billion has been spent on generators, injection sub-station and inverters in recent times.
Reacting to the two days protest by students of the premier institution over power failure, the VC alleged that the main reason for protest was because the school authority had earlier refused the student’s plea for a 2 weeks break to prepare for exams.
Prof. Folorunsho Adewole opined that the students wanted a 2 week break by all means and resulted to protests after the school had denied their request.
He added that presently, N933 million has been spent on power generation in the university and he stated that the result of the investment will be felt in the next two weeks.
Accompanied by the management team, the VC conducted journalists round the installation sites for the generating sets.
Clearing the air on why PHCN has not been able to meet the Institution’s power demand, the CEO Ibadan Electricity distribution company Engr. Bolaji Oyesiku said U.I is not immuned from the national shortfall in power supply.
The CEO explained that there has been drastic drop in power generation across the country since March as the hydro stations are not at optimal level while the thermal stations are affected by shortages in gas supply.
He further disclosed that serious load shedding and rotation became necessary as a result of problems at both the hydro and thermal stations across the country.
He noted that unless gas supply to thermal stations improve considerably,” there is little PHCN can do”, he said as he urged the students and all affected residents to be patient.
Meanwhile exams have been shifted in the University by 2 weeks and students were seen exiting the campus following the school’s closure.