Electricity bill
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
Ilorin, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, says the institution’s monthly electricity bill has jumped from N70 million to N230 million.
Egbewole, in an e-mail message sent to staff members and students of the university, a copy of which was made available to newsmen on Monday in Ilorin, said that the new monthly electricity bill was not sustainable.
He said that the recent hike in electricity tariffs by Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) had seriously affected the institution’s budget.
Egbewole, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), stressed the urgent need for critical re-assessment of the current electricity usage in the university.
He appealed to both staff members and students to adopt more responsible electricity consumption habits and support the administration’s efforts to implement some cost-saving measures.
According to the vice-chancellor, the management has intensified efforts in negotiations for alternative power supply to the university.
He said that all the buildings under construction in the Faculties of Agriculture, Arts, Environmental Science, Law and Social Sciences would include provisions for alternative power sources as part of their designs.
He added that strategies were being developed to ensure that all faculties and units were equipped with reliable alternative power options.
Egbewole also stressed the need for safeguarding the new facilities from theft and vandalism, adding that they should be protected and maintained. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FATY/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
Author: Fatima Mohammed
Tariff hike: N230m monthly electricity bill not sustainable – Unilorin VC
Food Security: Sen. Mustapha advocates multi-dimensional approach
Food
By Fatima Mohammed-LawalIlorin, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central/APC) on Friday in Ilorin called for a multi-dimensional approach and integration of technological innovation to enhance food security in Nigeria.
Mustapha made the call while delivering a keynote address at the Maiden International Conference (Hybrid) of the Faculty of Physical Science of the University of Ilorin.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference was “Renewable Energy and the Clean Environment: Panacea for Sustainable Development”.
The senator, who underscored the need for government reforms and stakeholders’ engagement, noted that Nigeria could chart a path towards more resilient, equitable and prosperous food stability.
“Renewable energy can enhance agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and promote inclusive growth,” he said.
Also, Dr Bankim Tripathy of CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology at Bhubaneswar in India stated that industrial waste recycling was also a critical component of sustainable development.
She spoke, in her keynote address, on the sub-theme “Utilisation of Lean Grade Ores and Recycling of Industrial Waste Integrated with Circular Economy — Key to Sustainable Development”.
Tripathy disclosed that attempts had been made to utilise lean grade ores of manganese carbonate and manganese metal organic framework as catalyst and electrolytic manganese dioxide for electric vehicles.
According to her, aluminum dross from aluminum industry and fly ash from power plants have been recycled to make high value materials or chemicals.
Also, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, University of Ilorin’s Vice-Chancellor, who emphasised on energy’s importance to man’s survival, however noted that it was in the centre of discourse because of the astronomical costs.
Represented by Prof. Omotesho Abayomi, the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Egbewole said everything was tied to sustainable development to meet the needs of the present without compromising those of the future.
He stated that the United Nations (UN) adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which touched various aspects of human development.
The Vice-Chancellor then emphasised on the need to ameliorate issues of sustainable development across the globe.
Earlier in his welcome address, Prof. Alafara Baba, the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, spoke on the need to address the challenges of the need for energy.
He added that this was linked to the imperativeness of maintaining a clean and sustainable environment.
“The theme of the conference underscores the significant roles renewable energy and a clean environment can play in driving sustainable development,” Baba said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FATY/KOO/OLAL
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(Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Olawale Alabi)