The authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife state of Osun, have disclosed that the school spends over N80 million monthly on electricity bills and another N2 million on diesel to power its generators.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ogunbodede disclosed this while addressing a Press Conference to herald the school’s 60th Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday, June 8, at the university campus.
Ogunbodede however disclosed that the university is currently engaged in an ongoing power project that when completed, will facilitate regular power supply and reduce the economic burden on the institution. The huge sum could then be diverted to more challenging ventures.
OAU came into existence on June 08, 1961, and began classes in October 1962 as University of Ife before it was renamed to Obafemi Awolowo University on May 12, 1987, in honor of the first Premier of the then Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, apart from the electrification projects, other ongoing development works include the airstrip project, construction of Phase 3 hostel for students, staff housing scheme, Aeronautical Engineering department, International Student Exchange Center, Student Affairs Building, the “Jubilee House”,- a-ten story Centra Bank of Nigeria Building among others.
“The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) 8.03MW power project for the supply of electricity to the University is ongoing and almost completed. This will enable OAU to generate its electricity. The University processed and obtained from the Transmission Corporation of Nigeria the Marketing License as an Electricity distributor, the first Nigerian University to enjoy the privilege. The aim is to reduce the economic burden of high tariffs and ensure a regular electricity supply to enhance its various academic activities. The University presently pays 80 million Naira per month for electricity and additionally, over two million Naira per month on Diesel to power generators”.
The activities marking the golden jubilee kicked off on Sunday, June 6, with Christian interdenominational service at the All Soul’s Chapel, OAU, the unveiling of the anniversary logo on Tuesday, June 8, a novelty march billed to take place on Wednesday, June 9, Jumat service at the OAU central mosque and various college/faculty activities which will be climaxed with the 45th convocation of the university in December 2021.
