The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has imposed an immediate ban on the charging of privately owned electric motorcycles and other electric vehicles across all its campuses, attributing the decision to the escalating cost of electricity.
Official Directive and Rationale
In a statement released on Tuesday, the university’s spokesperson, Lamara Garba, explained that the growing practice of using the institution’s power supply to charge private electric vehicles has significantly increased the university’s electricity bills. “The management has observed with concern the indiscriminate charging of privately owned electric motorcycles and other electric vehicles using the University’s electricity supply across its campuses,” Garba stated.
“This practice has contributed significantly to the sharp increase in the University’s electricity bills, thereby placing an enormous financial burden on the institution. At a time when the University is committed to the prudent management of its resources, the continued use of University electricity for charging private electric motorcycles is no longer sustainable,” he added.
Immediate Implementation and Scope
The ban takes effect immediately, according to the university. The directive applies to all university campuses and premises, and it covers all privately owned electric vehicles, including electric motorcycles used by commercial operators. The management has directed staff, students, commercial motorcycle operators, and other users of electric vehicles to cease using the university’s electricity supply for charging purposes.
The university warned that the directive would be strictly enforced. “Management expects full compliance with this directive. Any person found violating this ban will be liable to appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the University’s rules and regulations,” the statement read.
Enforcement and Monitoring Measures
To ensure compliance, the university has instructed provosts, deans, directors, heads of departments, and heads of units to monitor their respective areas and report any violations. Additionally, a university monitoring team will conduct regular patrols across campuses to enforce the ban.
The institution has urged members of the university community and visitors to cooperate with the directive, emphasizing that it is necessary to reduce energy costs and ensure the prudent use of university resources. The move reflects broader concerns about rising energy expenses affecting educational institutions in Nigeria.
