Tinubu Challenges Universities To Create Innovative Energy Solutions

KANO – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday challenged Nigerian Universities leverage on researches to develop alternative source of power in the face of increasing electricity tariffs.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who spoke at the 39th convocation of the Bayero University, Kano said such steps have become imperative in the face of increasing electricity tariffs.

Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed said
“The government is aware of the difficulties Universities are facing in terms of increasing electricity tariffs which culminated to huge bills. We are making significant efforts to make sure that the condition stabilize so that our universities can function optimally.

President Tinubu stated that “However while we are making this conscious efforts, I will like to implore our universities to leverage on the researches conducted in order to come up with little solutions in terms of alternative power supply”.

The President also directed the University Governing Councils and the Senate to restore the lost academic culture of the universities in order to ensure the universities produce quality graduates who can measure up with global standards.

President Tinubu similarly seized the opportunity to called on Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State to wade into the land dispute between the Bayero University, Kano, BUK and neighbouring communities with the intention to resolving the dispute.

Tinubu appealed to the Governor to intervene by issuing the University the title deed it deserves to permanently put to rest the row.

He said the government is aware of the challenge of lack of perimeter fencing faced by the University and has made some funds available to construct fence round the institution.

In a speech earlier, the Vice Chancellor, BUK, Prof. Sagir Abbas lamented over high cost of electricity which he said gulped one quarter of revenue generated by the institution while appealing to the government to reduce electricity tariff for educational institutions.

He also appeal to the government to increase financial support for research and innovations to the institution noting that investing in innovations is investing in the growth and development of the nation.

Prof. Abbas however, appealed to the Kano State government to expedite action towards issuance of C-of-O to the institution to put an end to land disputes and encroachment by unauthorized persons.