Rising power bills: BUK bans charging of electric vehicles on campus

Bayero University, Kano senate building

Bayero University, Kano, has banned the charging of privately owned electric motorcycles and other electric vehicles on its campuses, citing the rising cost of electricity.

The university announced the directive in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba.

According to the statement, the management observed the indiscriminate charging of private electric motorcycles and other electric vehicles using the university’s electricity supply across its campuses.

It said the practice had contributed significantly to the sharp increase in the institution’s electricity bills, placing an enormous financial burden on the university.

“The Management of Bayero University, Kano 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.

“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.

“Consequently, Management has banned, with immediate effect, the charging of electric motorcycles and other privately owned electric vehicles on all University campuses and premises,” the statement read in part.

The university directed all staff, students, commercial motorcycle operators and other users of electric motorcycles to stop charging their vehicles with the institution’s electricity supply.

It warned that anyone found violating the directive would face disciplinary action in line with the university’s rules and regulations.

“Accordingly, all staff, students, commercial motorcycle operators and other users of electric motorcycles are hereby advised to desist from charging their motorcycles using the University’s electricity supply.

“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 added.

The university also directed provosts, deans, directors, heads of department and heads of unit to monitor compliance within their respective areas and report violations to the appropriate authorities.

It added that a university monitoring team would conduct regular patrols across all campuses to ensure strict compliance.

The institution urged all affected persons to cooperate with the directive as part of efforts to reduce energy costs and ensure the prudent use of university resources.