FG Powers 24 Federal Institutions with Solar Energy, Adds 8 More in Energising Education Project

The Federal Government has successfully powered 24 federal tertiary institutions across Nigeria with solar energy as part of the Energising Education Project (EEP), a flagship initiative under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday during the signing of collaboration agreements with vice chancellors of eight additional universities joining the fourth phase of the project.

Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja, Dr. Alausa hailed the project as a transformative stride for Nigeria’s education and energy sectors. He said it delivers round-the-clock electricity to university campuses, improving learning conditions and promoting academic excellence.

“It is a new day for Nigeria,” the minister said. “This project brings continuous, 24-hour electricity to our institutions. It allows for increased academic activity, powers laboratories and libraries day and night, and enhances the overall living and learning environment for both students and faculty.”

Prior to the event, Dr. Alausa inspected the 3.3 megawatt-capacity solar energy installation at the University of Abuja—recently renamed Yakubu Gowon University—powered by 6,000 photovoltaic panels. He described the development as a model of sustainable progress.

He also highlighted the broader economic benefits of the project, emphasizing how reliable power supply fosters growth within campus communities.

“Any campus is a community by itself. With constant power supply, you unleash high economic activity,” he said.

The project is supported by the Renewable Infrastructure Fund initiated by President Tinubu to finance infrastructure development across various sectors.

Dr. Alausa further charged university heads to ensure the sustainability of the initiative, announcing that by 2027, every tertiary institution in the country will have access to renewable energy solutions.

Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Abba Aliyu, noted that the first three phases of the EEP have impacted over 600,000 students and 50,000 academic staff. The projects have collectively generated over 100 megawatts of electricity for campuses and teaching hospitals.

“This initiative ensures that universities have a sustainable and affordable electricity supply,” he said, adding that the EEP includes solar mini-grid infrastructure and clean energy interventions under various phases.

Aliyu also stated that Phase 2 of the project included the Universal Public Health Project, which successfully delivered solar energy to two universities and two teaching hospitals.

Phase 3 is nearing completion and will soon be commissioned, covering eight additional universities and one more teaching hospital.

The eight new institutions to benefit under Phase 4 are:

* Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
* University of Nigeria, Nsukka
* Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State
* Federal University, Dutse
* University of Benin
* University of Ibadan
* Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
* University of Lagos

The Energising Education Project, implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, is designed to improve access to sustainable power in learning environments and strengthen national development through education.