By Friday Idachaba | Lokoja
The management of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, says it may explore alternative energy options if the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) fails to resolve the campus’ chronic power outages.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman raised the warning during a meeting with AEDC officials at the Anyigba branch, convened to address the unstable electricity supply affecting the university community.
Describing the power challenges as “recurring and disruptive,” Prof. Usman noted discrepancies between AEDC’s reports and the experiences of staff and students on campus. He emphasized that PAAU has been a key contributor to Anyigba’s growth and an important customer for AEDC, yet the inconsistent electricity has forced many lecturers and staff to relocate in search of reliable power.
The Vice-Chancellor recalled that the university had previously invested in a dedicated power line, following advice from the former NEPA, but outages persist. “Electricity supply on campus remains highly irregular, sometimes lasting only a few hours and occasionally disappearing for several days,” he said.
Warning of decisive action, Prof. Usman said the university may collaborate with the Rural Electrification Agency to establish a mini-grid or deploy solar solutions if AEDC fails to improve service.
AEDC Anyigba Manager, Mr Benjamin Monday, cited damaged power lines, falling trees, heavy-duty trailers, and low megawatt allocation to Kogi East as reasons for the disruptions.
Both parties concluded the meeting with a commitment to strengthen collaboration and improve electricity supply to the university.