- Schneider Electric has installed a solar power system at Ikeja Central Grammar School in Lagos to improve electricity access.
- The project serves over 500 students and teachers, highlighting efforts to address energy poverty and education gaps in Nigeria.
Schneider Electric has commissioned a solar power system at Ikeja Central Grammar School in Lagos. The project marks the company’s first community initiative in Nigeria for 2026. The installation serves more than 500 students and teachers. It restores a reliable electricity supply after 2 years without a stable power supply.
Meanwhile, the project forms part of Schneider Electric’s global Access to Energy programme. The initiative targets underserved communities in education and healthcare. The system includes 3.3 kilowatts-peak of solar panels, a 4-kilowatt hybrid inverter, and a 10-kilowatt battery. Together, they generate about 12 kilowatt-hours of electricity daily.
In addition, Schneider Electric monitors the system remotely through its EcoStruxure Energy Access platform. This ensures efficient power distribution based on the school’s schedule. The project addresses a wider infrastructure gap in Nigeria’s education sector. Many public schools still operate without reliable electricity.
This shortage limits access to digital tools and reduces classroom comfort. It also affects teachers’ ability to deliver effective lessons.
Before the installation, Ikeja Central Grammar School lacked power for basic needs. The school could not run fans, internet services, or water systems. The Head Teacher, Sanni Kudirat, said the impact has been immediate. She said, “The children are extremely excited because light has finally come. Students are happier to come to a conducive learning environment. We can already see improvements in their concentration and participation.”
Schneider Electric said the project aligns with global sustainability goals. It supports SDG 4 on quality education and SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy. The Country President for Schneider Electric Anglophone Africa, Ajibola Akindele, said the company plans to expand similar projects. He said, “Our expectation is to expand initiatives like this across Nigeria, reaching more children and helping to build a brighter future for the next generation.”
The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board approved the project. This approval may support similar deployments in other public schools. The Executive Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Authority, Moyosore Adebanjo, welcomed the initiative. He said, “We look forward to further exploring and building partnership opportunities with Schneider Electric to benefit more students across the state.”
The project reflects a growing trend among global companies. Many now align social investments with measurable sustainability targets. The cost of small-scale solar systems has also declined in recent years. As a result, more institutions can adopt off-grid or hybrid solutions.
Remote monitoring further improves efficiency. It reduces maintenance needs and supports wider deployment across multiple locations. However, scaling such projects will require sustained funding. It will also depend on continued collaboration with government authorities.
Nigeria has thousands of public schools. Expanding solar access at scale may require partnerships with development finance institutions.
For now, the Ikeja project demonstrates a practical solution. It shows how targeted energy investments can quickly improve learning conditions. It also highlights growing interest from local authorities. Many are willing to partner on initiatives that combine energy access and education development.