LASU electricity cost N200m monthly as Lagos officials reveal financial strain and unveil plans for power plants and student hostels

Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule, has revealed that Lagos State University spends over N200 million monthly on electricity, underscoring mounting financial pressure on the institution.

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Sule made the disclosure at the sod-turning ceremony for the TETFund and Public Private Partnership Students’ Hostel Project at the university’s main campus in Ojo.

He explained that the LASU electricity cost N200m covers both grid power bills and diesel used to run generators across faculties, hostels, and administrative buildings.

He noted that rising energy costs, driven by unstable public power supply and reliance on diesel, have placed a heavy burden on the university’s finances.

According to Sule, the situation has constrained funds available for academic development and infrastructure upgrades.

The commissioner described the trend as a growing challenge across public universities, where institutions must balance operational costs with competing priorities.

He, however, expressed optimism that planned power projects would bring relief and improve efficiency.

Sule said the Federal Government’s proposed independent power plant for the university would significantly reduce costs while ensuring more reliable electricity supply.

He added that improved power stability would enhance teaching, research, and overall student welfare.

The event also marked the commencement of a major hostel development project aimed at addressing accommodation shortages.

Sule said the initiative reflects broader efforts to improve infrastructure and living conditions within tertiary institutions.

Also speaking, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the project forms part of a wider national strategy to strengthen higher education under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He disclosed that about N100 billion has been allocated through TETFund in 2026 for hostel construction across 50 institutions.

Alausa added that an additional N96 billion has been committed under similar interventions, bringing total funding for student accommodation to nearly N200 billion.

He stressed that improving infrastructure, including housing and power supply, is essential for achieving global education standards.

The minister further revealed plans for independent power projects in selected institutions, including an 11-megawatt facility at LASU and a four-megawatt plant at its Epe campus.

These projects are expected to reduce dependence on diesel and stabilise electricity supply.

On accommodation, Alausa noted that LASU currently has about 7,000 bed spaces for a student population of roughly 84,000, highlighting a critical deficit.

The new 1,500-bed hostel, to be delivered through a PPP arrangement, will include modern facilities such as a gym, library, and recreational areas.

He emphasised that improving student welfare remains central to government policy, noting that stable academic calendars and increased funding have already contributed to recent gains in the education sector.

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The developments signal a coordinated effort by federal and state authorities to address long-standing infrastructure gaps, with energy and accommodation identified as urgent priorities for sustainable university growth.