- FG, through REA, is in advanced talks with development partners to establish Nigeria’s first Renewable Energy University.
- REA also plans a ₦1tn Renewable Asset Management Company and Nigeria’s first floating solar plant at UNILAG.
The Federal Government has revealed that plans are underway to establish Nigeria’s first Renewable Energy University, with support from international development partners.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, announced this at a roundtable meeting between the REA and the Lagos State Government held in Victoria Island.
Aliyu stated that while the university’s location remains undecided, Lagos could secure the project if it makes a strong case. “We are working with development partners to establish the first Renewable University in Nigeria. It’s going to be the first green university in Africa,” he said. “If Lagos works very hard, we may site it in Lagos.”
In addition to the proposed university, the REA is also set to establish a Renewable Asset Management Company. Aliyu confirmed that the Federal Ministry of Power has approved the initiative, which is projected to manage renewable energy assets nationwide.
“It’s going to be a ₦1 trillion company, and we have already secured the approval,” he said, noting that the site for the company is yet to be determined.
Furthermore, Aliyu sought the Lagos State Government’s support to pioneer Nigeria’s first floating solar power plant. He proposed deploying an 8-megawatt plant at the University of Lagos to address the challenge of limited land in the state. “We want to make it a floating solar panel, which will be the first of its kind in Nigeria,” he said.
Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has expressed keen interest in hosting the Renewable Energy University. He urged the REA to provide details on what Lagos must do to secure the project.