- FG has moved closer to launching a 1MW solar electrification project at the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO).
- The project, led by the Rural Electrification Agency, forms part of a national programme targeting sustainable power supply across 16 Nigerian universities.
The Federal Government (FG) has announced the imminent start of a one-megawatt solar electrification project at the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, in Oyo State. The project marks a major milestone in the institution’s infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, the Rural Electrification Agency is facilitating the project under a national initiative to deliver sustainable electricity to 16 universities across Nigeria. The government included FUNATO as a key beneficiary in the South-West region.
Adeyemi University of Education and the Federal University of Health Sciences, Oyan, will also benefit from the programme. Officials disclosed the development in a statement signed by Vice-Chancellor Personal Assistant Dr Bolaji Olaomo.
On February 6, 2026, university management met with a Rural Electrification Agency delegation and the Onjo-in-Council. The meeting focused on project execution protocols and community engagement.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Jacob Babayemi led the university delegation during the consultative session. The parties discussed compliance, sustainability requirements and implementation timelines for the solar project.
Furthermore, REA technical consultant David Ogunsawe said the current phase focuses on compliance and sustainability verification processes. He said the assessment serves as a prerequisite before construction begins in the coming months.
Ogunsawe said the project operates under a public-private partnership framework. He said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Solar Power Naija and Energising Education Programme.
The university must allocate approximately 75 acres of land to host the solar array and supporting infrastructure. The project will support long-term campus electrification and research capacity development.
In addition, Professor Babayemi confirmed that the university will immediately allocate the required land within its permanent site. He said the project supports FUNATO’s goal of becoming a technology-driven centre of excellence.
The Vice-Chancellor appointed community elder Alhaji Isiaka Salawu as liaison for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment team. The appointment will also strengthen coordination between technical teams and the host community.
Officials said the project will improve electricity reliability for academic, research and administrative activities. The initiative will also support Nigeria’s broader renewable energy and energy access targets.