- 24 Nigerian tertiary institutions now run on solar power under Tinubu’s Energising Education Project.
- University of Abuja’s 3.3 MW solar farm powers the campus with 6,000 panels.
- By 2027, all federal tertiary institutions will operate on renewable energy, says the Education Minister.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said on Wednesday, May 7, that the Federal Government has powered 24 Nigerian tertiary institutions with solar energy through the Energising Education Project (EEP).
He announced in Abuja while signing collaboration agreements with vice chancellors from the participating institutions. The event launched the fourth phase of the project.
Dr. Alausa confirmed that eight more universities joined the project in this phase. President Bola Tinubu initiated the EEP to provide constant power to federal campuses nationwide.
Before the signing, the minister inspected the solar energy system at the University of Abuja. The government has renamed the institution Yakubu Gowon University.
Dr. Alausa explained that the university’s solar farm contains 6,000 photovoltaic panels. The system generates 3.3 megawatts of electricity daily—enough to power the entire campus continuously.
“This marks a new day for Nigeria,” Alausa said. He praised President Tinubu’s leadership in transforming energy access in the education sector.
He highlighted how uninterrupted power improves education. “It powers libraries, laboratories, and classrooms around the clock,” he said.
He noted that stable electricity boosts research output, strengthens security, and cuts diesel costs. He stressed that the EEP improves students’ and faculty’s living and learning environment.
The Federal Government created the Renewable Infrastructure Fund to support the project. President Tinubu launched the fund to expand infrastructure in education, health, transport, and other sectors.
Dr. Alausa called on university leaders to sustain the solar systems. He urged them to design creative plans to ensure long-term maintenance and success.
He restated the project’s long-term vision. “By 2027, every federal tertiary institution should operate on renewable energy,” he said.
The EEP plays a significant role in the government’s clean energy transition. It aligns with the national push for green energy and emissions reduction.
Several universities have already reported results. Their campuses now enjoy stable power, reduced energy costs, and improved academic performance.
Here are 8 Universities set to be Sustainably Powered using Renewable Energy Technologies:
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
- University of Nigeria, Nssuka (UNN)
- Federal University, Wukari.
- Federal University, Dutse.
- University of Benin (UniBen).
- University of Ibadan (UI).
- Obafemi Awolowo University.
- University of Lagos (UniLag).
The Ministry of Education confirmed that the project also creates local jobs. Young people receive training to install and maintain the solar systems.
Dr. Alausa said the project supports the economy and the education sector. He added that a constant energy supply on campuses promotes innovation and entrepreneurship.
Vice-chancellors who attended the ceremony welcomed the project. Many described the initiative as timely and essential.
Some institutions have already integrated the new systems into their science and engineering programmes.
The Renewable Infrastructure Fund continues to provide financing for project expansion, enabling more campuses to benefit from clean and stable electricity.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment. “We will keep investing in projects that create real impact,” he said.
The Energising Education Project reflects Nigeria’s vision for a greener, more resilient education system. It offers a new path toward reliable power, better learning, and sustainable development.