From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with eight universities under the Federal Government’s Energizing Education Programme (EEP) to provide 24-hours electricity to the universities.
The institutions 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 University of Ibadan.
A statement from the Federal Ministry of Education, yesterday, indicated that the MoU signing which took place at the solar-powered mini-grid site of the University of Abuja, marks the commencement of the phase IV of the EEP, and all the Vice Chancellors of the listed institutions were in attendance, except that of the University of Benin, who was represented.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed government’s commitment to advancing human capital development through reliable and sustainable energy infrastructures in the education sector, and appreciated the President for prioritizing uninterrupted electricity supply for all federal and state-owned tertiary institutions.
He further revealed that the Federal Government is constructing mini-grid systems ranging from 1.1 to 12.5 megawatts across federal and state tertiary institutions, as well as teaching hospitals.
“To date, 24 institutions have benefited from the phases I to III of the programme. The Ministry through TETFund will support the development of an additional four to six independent mini-grids with capacities between 2 and 10 megawatts at selected tertiary institutions across the country,” he said.
The Minister said the uninterrupted electricity supply will significantly enhance student learning environments, improve staff productivity, support cutting-edge research, and promote entrepreneurship within university communities ultimately contributing to national economic growth and GDP.
Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu, highlighted that Phases I to III of EEP have provided over 100 megawatts of clean electricity to 24 federal universities and their teaching hospitals, thus positively impacting over 600,000 students and 50,000 staff members.
He also noted that phase II included clean energy projects for two universities and two teaching hospitals, while phase III covering eight universities and one hospital is nearing completion, and will soon be commissioned.
Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, executive secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) commended the Federal Government and REA for the launch of a practical and sustainable solution to the power challenges in tertiary institutions.
He described EEP as a cost-effective initiative that directly enhances teaching, learning, research, and overall institutional performance.
Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Patricia Manko Lar, thanked the Ministry and REA for what she described as a timely and impactful intervention.
She noted that the project would address long-standing electricity challenges, reduce operational costs, and significantly enhance academic delivery.