- In the second phase of the Energising Education Programme (EEP), REA will prioritise providing electricity to tertiary institutions.
- The World Bank’s support is vital, with $750 million allocated for the Distributed Access to Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) initiative.
- EEP Phase II aims to deliver 12kW of electricity to benefit approximately 350,000 people, including over 50,000 staff and non-academic personnel nationwide.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) will focus on tertiary institutions in the second phase of its Energising Education Programme (EEP), which aims to boost electricity access in educational institutions across Nigeria.
During a recent visit to the University of Maiduguri and its medical college, the University Teaching Hospital, REA’s acting chief executive, Mr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, revealed these plans. He was accompanied by officials from the World Bank and the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP). The delegation assessed ongoing projects and discussed the upcoming commissioning with state officials.
“One of our interventions is to provide electricity to tertiary institutions,” Mr. Aliyu said. “We have completed the first phase, are finalising the second, and have started the third phase.”
The EEP phase II, funded by the World Bank, will deliver 12kW of electricity to the University of Maiduguri. This will benefit 350,000 people, including over 50,000 staff and non-academic personnel nationwide.
Mr. Aliyu highlighted the World Bank’s crucial role in the project’s success. The bank’s confidence in REA’s implementation has led to an additional $750 million investment for the Distributed Access to Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) initiative.
“Our mission is to create a sustainable future for Nigeria’s educational institutions,” said Mr. Olufemi Akinyelure, head of NEP and a leader in renewable energy. “The EEP Phase II underscores our dedication to leveraging renewable energy solutions to drive academic excellence and gender inclusion in STEM fields.”
Mr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, Executive Director for Technical Services at REA, emphasised the importance of this initiative amidst Nigeria’s ongoing energy challenges. He urged beneficiary institutions to safeguard critical national assets to ensure the longevity of their infrastructure.
The REA’s continued efforts in the EEP demonstrate a significant step towards enhancing the educational environment through sustainable energy solutions.