The Nigerian Minister of Education has signed an agreement to construct eight new mini solar panel systems as alternative energy sources across public universities and teaching hospitals in the country. This initiative aims to enhance research, human capital development, and improve healthcare services.
At the Collaboration Agreement Signing Ceremony with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Vice Chancellors of the eight new beneficiary institutions at the University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University), the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described the new project as a “new day for Nigeria.” He praised the transformative initiative under President Tinubu’s administration, which seeks to provide an uninterrupted power supply to Nigeria’s federal tertiary institutions.
These new projects, part of the fourth phase of the “Energising Education Project,” will bring the total number of beneficiary institutions to 32, following the successful completion of 24 projects in phases 1, 2, and 3 across the country.
“This project will guarantee a constant power supply around the clock, which is essential for our lecturers and students, particularly in laboratories for research. It will create opportunities for human capital development, one of the priority areas of President Bola Tinubu,” Alausa said.
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The eight new beneficiary institutions include 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; and University of Lagos.
Alausa highlighted that, similar to the earlier phases, these projects would have a significant impact on the education sector and the economy.
After touring the University of Abuja Solar farm, which benefited from the earlier phases, Alausa noted that the university now boasts a solar farm with 6,000 photovoltaic panels, generating approximately 3.3 megawatts of electricity daily.
“This is enough to power the campus 24/7. These projects bring continuous, 24-hour electricity to our institutions,” he said. “They will increase academic activity, power laboratories and libraries day and night, and improve living and learning conditions for everyone.”
