The Federal Ministry of Education has signed an agreement with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to provide uninterrupted electricity to eight universities across Nigeria.
This partnership is part of the Federal Government’s Energising Education Programme (EEP), aimed at ensuring 24-hour power supply to university campuses.
The agreement was signed at the University of Abuja, which is one of the beneficiaries of the project.
The eight universities set to benefit include the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Federal University Wukari, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Federal University Dutse, University of Benin, and the University of Ibadan.
Vice-Chancellors from these universities, except for the University of Benin, attended the signing ceremony.
Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, stressed that under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, the government is focused on developing human capital by providing stable and sustainable energy in the education sector.
He said that ensuring 24-hour electricity for all federal and state-owned tertiary institutions is one of the president’s main priorities.
According to him, the government is already building mini-grid systems ranging from 1.1 to 12.5 megawatts in various universities.
So far, 24 institutions have benefited from the first three phases of the programme.
The Ministry, through TETFund, plans to support the construction of four to six more mini-grids with capacities between 2 and 10 megawatts in selected universities.
Dr. Alausa explained that uninterrupted electricity will improve learning environments, boost staff productivity, aid research, and support entrepreneurship, which will help drive economic growth.
The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Abdullahi Ribadu, praised the government and REA for tackling the power challenges in universities.
He described the EEP as a practical and cost-effective way to enhance teaching, learning, and research.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Patricia Lar, also expressed her gratitude, saying the project will reduce operational costs and improve academic performance.
The Managing Director of the REA, Abba Aliyu, stated that the first three phases of the programme have already delivered over 100 megawatts of clean electricity to 24 federal universities and their teaching hospitals, benefiting more than 600,000 students and 50,000 staff.
He noted that Phase III, which includes eight universities and one teaching hospital, is almost complete and will be launched soon.
