Asagba Says DELSU Spends N110M Monthly On Power, Hints On Hydropower, Solar Energy Sources

By Daniel Dafe

The Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Professor Samuel Asagba, has revealed that the institution spends a N120 million monthly on power.

Speaking during the university’s 17th Convocation Press Conference on Wednesday, Professor Asagba detailed the extent of the expenditure, explaining that DELSU pays N60 million monthly for electricity and an additional N50 million for diesel to run its generators, saying this brings the total monthly cost to N110 million.

According to him, the N60 million is payment for electricity from the 33KV line that the last administration linked DELSU to.

He added: “It is too much for us to bear so we tend to look at other sources of power. Luckily for us, we have River Ethiope here beside us; hydro power is relatively cheaper and renewable.”

“This is a serious concern that we must tackle,” he said, underlining his administration’s determination to implement more sustainable and cost-effective power solutions.

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He disclosed that the university is exploring alternative energy sources, particularly solar and hydropower, in collaboration with private sector investors.

Meanwhile, he hinted that the Professor Victor Peretomode-led administration spoke with a German firm that gave the cost to carry out the hydropower project using River Ethiope at N4 billion, saying that discussions were not concluded then and that the immediate past administration did not continue further discussions.

Asagba said that when his administration approached the said firm after he assumed office, he was told that it will now cost N20 billion.