Of varsities without electricity

The importance of education, the world over, cannot be overemphasised, particularly amongst the advanced nations which have had technological and scientific breakthroughs through researches in their respective university campuses.

Apart from the research grants that run into several billions of their local currencies, the government of each of these advanced nations does not toy with any nicety that may continuously ensure that the academic environments of their universities are conducive enough for learning, research and community services.

It is on this note that I would like to appeal to our distinguished senators and honourable members of the House of Representatives to support the proposed Electrification of Nine Federal Universities in the interest of our education and for the promotion of knowledge that will be beneficial to, not only Nigeria but the continent of Africa as a whole.

The fall in the standard of our education is a combination of several factors and epileptic supply of electricity is a major one. So, all hands must be on the deck to ensure that we give our best to upgrade every facility in our universities, starting with uninterrupted supply of electricity.

May I then commend the thoughtfulness of the Rural Electricity Agency (REA) for deeming it fit to lighten up nine universities across the country, thus giving us hope of an accelerated development in our education sector.

Although the oversight functions of our legislators are in order, they should please do all within their powers to ensure that the campuses so earmarked eventually become the beneficiaries of their legislative consideration.

If and when this laudable project is considered, initiated, completed and commissioned, the legislative arm of government would have succeeded in reducing the rate at which university students usually embark on protests against incessant blackouts.

We, therefore, call on all well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on our respectable legislators to allow the Rural Electrification Agency to assist our Universities and allow the proposed budgets for the project to sail through.

• Segun Oluwasanmi Department of Dramatic Arts

Obafemi Awolowo  University,

 Ile-Ife, Osun State