The House of Representatives has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a 50 per cent electricity subsidy for universities, hospitals, and other tertiary institutions of learning.

In a statement on Monday, Abubakar Fulata, the chairman of the House Committee on University Education, commended Mr Tinubu for yielding to their call and subsidising electricity tariffs for tertiary institutions.

Mr Fulata said his committee, in the last few weeks, visited over 30 federal universities in 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He said the increase in electricity tariff had affected almost all the universities in Nigeria, with some struggling to pay and others disconnected by distribution companies.

“For instance, the University of Jos was paying around N20 million monthly, but after the grouping, the institution’s monthly electricity tariff jumped to over N100 million,” he said.

He said UNIJOS was one of the universities that disconnected from public light due to the challenge of high tariffs.

“So we are grateful for this decision the president has taken as it will go along way in addressing the challenge of electricity supply in the tertiary institutions of learning in the country,” he added.

Mr Fulata said this was not the first time the president would listen and yield to the Reps’ call for improvement in the educational sector.

“We have talked about the issue of IPPIS, which brought a heavy burden on university management, like seeking permission from about seven MDAs before even a cleaner will be recruited,” the lawmaker said.

He said Mr Tinubu listened and approved the removal of tertiary institutions from IPPIS and yielded its call to reconstitute the councils for the schools.

Mr Fulata expressed confidence that irrespective of political affiliation, ethnic, and religious differences, the lawmakers would continue to partner with the executive arm.

Minister of State for Health Tunji Alausa broke the news of the 50 per cent electricity subsidy for tertiary institutions and hospitals in Kaduna.

Mr Alausa said the Ministry of Power was already working out the subsidy payment modalities.

(NAN)