From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), under the Federal Ministry of Power, has officially commissioned a 2.5MW captive solar hybrid power project at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, as part of the landmark Energizing Education Programme (EEP) Phase II.
The newly commissioned power project will provide uninterrupted electricity, directly impacting over 12,368 people-including cadets, faculty, and administrative personnel at the Academy.
The project was officially commissioned by the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who lauded the initiative as a “strategic investment in both education and national defence.”
In his keynote address, the Minister emphasized the government’s resolve to provide sustainable and reliable energy to critical national institutions.
According to him, the transformative energy intervention reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education sector, enhancing national security infrastructure, promoting sustainability, and advancing inclusive development.
Implemented by the REA with funding support from the World Bank, the EEP II project at NDA marks a pivotal step in the government’s agenda to deliver reliable and sustainable electricity access to federal universities and affiliated teaching hospitals across the country.
“The newly commissioned power project will provide uninterrupted electricity to academic buildings, staff residences, barracks, and critical facilities within the Academy, directly impacting over 12,368 people-including cadets, faculty, and administrative personnel,
“The Nigerian Defence Academy, the nation’s foremost military institution, plays a central rale in shaping the future of Nigeria’s armed forces. With this new solar hybrid project, the NDA is now equipped with 24/7 reliable electricity that will enhance academic excellence, facilitate cutting-edge military training, and power critical security operations.
“This project is implemented by REA and Ministry of power respectively to improve rural electrification across institutions in Nigeria as part president Bola Ahmed Tinubu mandate to diversifies energy sources and expand access to clean and reliable electricity to support critical sectors such education, health security institutions”. He said.
Also speaking at the event, Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the commissioning as “a fuming point in Nigeria’s joumey toward energy access for learning institutions.” He noted that the agency in not just commissioning project, rather it’s about commissioning social impact, research and sustainable development.
“EEP Phase llis not just an energy project, it is a national mission, We are delivering clean energy to power academic excellence, national security, and innovation”.
Olufemi Akinyelure, Head of the Nigeria Electrification Programme (HNEP), also added that the management of Nigeria defence Academy should take ownership of the project for long time. sustainability
“For us at the REA-NEP, sustainability is key. That’s why this project was designed with a long-term view, from the technology deployed to the capacity building elements. We want to ensure that five, ten years from now, this plant is still running efficiently, providing power to this great institution and supporting the security architecture of our nation.”
“The 2.5MW solar hybrid power plant integrates solar photovoltaic technology with battery storage and diesel backup systems to ensure a seamless energy supply. This project aligns with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and its international climate commitments, significantly reducing diesel dependence and greenhouse gas emissions.
“In addition to uninterrupted power, the project also delivered measurable socio-economic and infrastructural impact, including, 403 jobs created during the construction and installation phase, 20 female STEM cadets trained in solar installation and renewable energy technologies, 7 transformers installed to support broad-based power distribution across the Academy, 288 solar-powered streetlights installed, covering 9 kilometers of internal roadways. improving night-time security and mobility.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General AK Ibrahim expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Government and the REA, saying, “this solar hybrid plant is a critical addition to our infrastructure. It allows us to train and operate without power disruptions, ensuring we maintain the standards of excellence and discipline expected of Nigeria’s military leadership institution.”