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Powering the Future: 24 Nigerian Universities Now Run on Solar Energy

Written by Agboola Oluwafemi on May 7, 2025

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The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has announced that 24 federal institutions across Nigeria are now benefiting from solar energy under the “Energising Education Project,” a major initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration aimed at transforming the nation’s educational infrastructure.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at a Collaboration Agreement Signing Ceremony with the vice chancellors of the latest beneficiary institutions, Alausa revealed that an additional eight universities have joined the fourth phase of the project. This initiative, he emphasized, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable energy for its tertiary institutions.

Ahead of the signing, the minister conducted an inspection of the solar-powered facility at the University of Abuja, recently renamed Yakubu Gowon University. The institution now boasts a solar farm comprising 6,000 photovoltaic panels, capable of generating approximately 3.3 megawatts of electricity daily—sufficient to power the campus continuously.

Describing the project as a “new day for Nigeria,” Alausa praised the administration’s commitment to providing uninterrupted power to the nation’s higher learning institutions. He highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, noting that reliable, round-the-clock power would significantly enhance academic activity, support scientific research, and improve overall campus life.

“This project ensures continuous, 24-hour electricity for our institutions,” Alausa stated. “It powers laboratories, libraries, and residential facilities day and night, dramatically enhancing the learning environment for students and faculty alike.”

The minister also emphasized the economic benefits, noting that a consistently powered campus operates as a self-sustaining micro-economy, driving business activities within its community.

“Every campus is a self-contained community,” he observed. “With constant power, you unleash substantial economic activity, fostering innovation and enterprise.”

Alausa further disclosed that the project is funded through the Renewable Infrastructure Fund, established by President Tinubu to support critical infrastructure across various sectors. He urged university administrators to develop innovative strategies to sustain these gains, affirming that by 2027, every federal tertiary institution in Nigeria would be equipped with renewable energy solutions.

Supporting this vision, Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, provided further insights into the project’s reach. He revealed that the first three phases of the initiative have already impacted over 600,000 students and 50,000 academic staff, generating more than 100 megawatts of electricity for university campuses and teaching hospitals.

“What you see here is a critical intervention in the education sector,” Aliyu said. “It is designed to provide sustainable and affordable electricity, ensuring that universities can focus on their core mission of teaching, research, and community service.”

Aliyu also highlighted that Phase 2 of the project had extended clean energy to two additional universities and two teaching hospitals, while Phase 3, nearing completion, is set to deliver power to eight more universities and one additional teaching hospital in the coming months.

The newest beneficiaries 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 the University of Lagos.

As the government continues its drive to modernize Nigeria’s educational infrastructure, this initiative stands as a testament to its commitment to harnessing clean, reliable energy for the nation’s future leaders.