By Abbas Nazil
The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) of solar hybrid power systems for eight federal universities and one teaching hospital as part of its broader push to enhance energy access and cut reliance on fossil fuels.
This initiative is under Phase IV of the Energising Education Programme (EEP) and will be implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
The beneficiary institutions include Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Federal University, Wukari; Federal University, Dutse; University of Benin; University of Ibadan; Obafemi Awolowo University; University of Lagos; and one teaching hospital.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, stated that the goal is to deliver clean, stable, and reliable electricity to support academic and healthcare functions, while drastically reducing diesel generator dependency and associated costs.
He described the lack of dependable electricity in many higher institutions as a growing crisis that has negatively affected learning, research, and healthcare services.
By deploying solar power, the government aims to provide consistent electricity to these institutions and improve the quality of service delivery.
The solar hybrid systems will not only power classrooms, laboratories, and administrative blocks but also critical medical equipment in hospitals, helping to reduce outages and fuel costs.
An example of this transformation can be seen in a paediatric hospital that previously required 200 litres of diesel daily but now runs reliably on 96 solar panels, according to Médecins Sans Frontières.
Beyond education and health, the government is also leveraging solar technology to transform agriculture through the Agricultural Centers of Excellence (ACE) initiative.
The REA has been tasked with deploying solar-powered tools and agro-processing equipment in farming communities to boost productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance food security.
This initiative is especially important in rural areas and regions affected by conflict or climate-induced displacement.
By integrating solar solutions into resettlement areas, the programme aims to empower displaced populations with sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Chief Adelabu highlighted that the government is committed to ensuring that rural Nigerians are not left behind in the national power sector transformation.
By promoting the use of solar-powered equipment, rural dwellers can engage in productive economic activities without the burden of fuel costs or erratic power supply.
The programme is designed to bridge the energy gap in underserved regions and support long-term infrastructure development with clean energy at its core.
In aligning energy, education, and agriculture, the solar initiative represents a major step forward in Nigeria’s clean energy transition and economic revitalisation.
It also reinforces the government’s broader renewable energy goals and demonstrates the role of decentralized solar solutions in powering national development.
