- The World Bank and REA commend the swift advancement of the 12MW solar project at the University of Maiduguri, which is set to be completed in September.
- The project provides clean energy and trains 100 students, including 20 women, in solar education.
- Despite delays due to security issues and equipment logistics, the project remains on track and will serve the university and its teaching hospital.
Ashish Khanna, World Bank Practice Manager for West Africa, has praised the rapid advancement of the 12-megawatt solar power project at the University of Maiduguri. Scheduled for completion in September, this project, funded by the World Bank, forms a crucial part of the Federal Government’s Energising Education Programme (EEP) Phase 2.
On his first visit to Maiduguri, Khanna emphasised the project’s significance in providing clean energy and educational opportunities. “It is wonderful to see the project due to be delivered in September. I am impressed with what I saw,” Khanna said. He highlighted its role in skill-building, job creation, and fostering innovation among students, particularly in STEM fields.
REA Managing Director Abba Abubakar also expressed satisfaction with the progress. He noted that security issues and equipment delays from Lagos to Maiduguri had postponed completion. “We now need to complete the distribution line to connect the university’s site with the teaching hospital,” Abubakar explained. He stressed the project’s scale as the largest in EEP Phase 2.
Olufemi Akinyelure, head of the Nigeria Electrification Project, emphasised the project’s goal of fostering a sustainable future for educational institutions through renewable energy. “The EEP Phase 2 underscores our dedication to leveraging renewable energy solutions to drive academic excellence and gender inclusion in STEM fields,” Akinyelure said. He called on institutions to prepare for ownership and ensure maintenance for sustainability.
Aliyu Yahaya, representing the university, thanked the federal government and stakeholders. He pointed out the project’s importance in meeting the university’s power needs and generating revenue from excess electricity sales.
During the visit, the delegation met with Borno State’s acting governor, Umar Kadafur. Kadafur praised the initiative and promised the administration’s support.
This project, the largest in any Nigerian institution, will serve the university and its teaching hospital. It also offers solar education training for 100 UNIMAID students, including 20 women.