MEASUREMENT AND DETERMINANTS OF ENERGY POVERTY AMONG UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC STAFF IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

One of the fundamental problems facing emerging nations, especially sub-Saharan Africa, is access to sustainable, dependable, and cheap energy services. Despite the abundance of natural resources in Nigeria, inadequate energy access plays out for university lecturers and other country residents. Therefore, using a Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index assessment, this study explores the intensity of energy poverty and its underlying factors among academic staff members at universities across Kwara State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from 354 university lecturers across federal, state, and private universities throughout Kwara State through a cross sectional survey approach. The assessment of factors influencing energy poverty among university lecturers relies on descriptive statistics, ordinary least squares (OLS), and Tobit regression as the evaluation methods. The study found that most lecturers across the study have demonstrated multidimensional energy poverty status because they lack access to reliable electricity, contemporary cooking fuels, and efficient lighting solutions. The study also reveals that income, house ownership, age, and gender status determine energy poverty among University lecturers in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study, therefore, recommends targeted economic interventions by the government, policymakers and university administrators, as a strategic solution instead of applying broad demographic-based methods.