Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo State, is facing steep energy costs, with the institution spending ₦26 million each month on electricity alone. The university also consumes 5,000 litres of diesel every two weeks, further deepening its financial strain.
This was disclosed by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Akintunde, during a press briefing in Ondo ahead of the university’s 61st Foundation Day and 35th Convocation Ceremony.
“We paid about ₦26 million naira for electricity, that is aside from the amount we expend on a monthly basis on diesel. We used 5,000 litres of diesel within two weeks, so we have the problem of funding,” said Akintunde.
He noted that the university’s financial burden is worsened by fluctuating student enrolment and the need to meet growing infrastructural and academic demands. To address the challenge, the school is now exploring alternative energy sources to reduce its dependence on the national grid and fossil fuel.
Despite these hurdles, AFUED remains committed to its core values in teacher education, academic research, and community development.
As part of the convocation ceremony, the university will be graduating six sets of students, starting from the 2017/2018 academic session to the present.
The keynote lecture titled “The advent of artificial intelligence and the future of Nigeria tertiary education” will be delivered by Professor Toyin Falola, an expert in African Studies at the University of Texas, Austin, USA.
The event will also feature the conferment of honorary doctoral degrees on notable Nigerians including Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu and an alumna of the university, and Oba (Dr) Victor Kiladejo, the Osemawe and paramount ruler of Ondo Kingdom.
On student support, the Acting VC disclosed that 995 students have applied for the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) initiative, launched by the federal government.
“So, 995 students that have applied are expecting ₦68,316,200, but this does not include their monthly stipend of ₦20,000,” Akintunde added.
The Students Forum Nigeria serves as the ultimate hub for Nigerian students, fostering academic growth, social engagement, and knowledge sharing.
