The Federal Government has earmarked ₦100 billion in the 2025 budget to install solar mini-grids in federal universities, teaching hospitals, and select government institutions.
This initiative, awaiting approval from the National Assembly, aims to provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to the expensive diesel-powered generators currently in use.
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, disclosed this while speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday.
According to him, the funding falls under the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Power, which seeks to cut governance costs by transitioning public institutions to solar energy.
“We are going to use that funding to solarise the entire public institutions,” Aliyu stated, adding that the move is part of the government’s strategy to reduce the financial burden of diesel procurement on federal establishments.
The announcement comes at a crucial time, especially for institutions like the University of Ibadan, where students recently staged a protest over a 100-day power outage at the University College Hospital.
In response, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, assured students that electricity would soon be restored, with solar mini-grids planned for UCH and four other universities.
“In the next six months, we will begin deploying mini-grids in an additional five universities,” Aliyu revealed. “We expect to have completed at least two of the eight planned mini-grids within that time.”
The first phase of the project will cover the University of Lagos, UI (including UCH), Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, and Ahmadu Bello University. Aliyu further stated that at least 60 mini-grids would be commissioned nationwide before the end of the year, with 40 interconnect grids planned to ensure reliable electricity supply.
This initiative builds on previous REA interventions, where hybrid mini-grids were installed in seven universities and two teaching hospitals.
Notably, the University of Maiduguri now enjoys a 12-megawatt solar-powered system that not only serves the university and teaching hospital but also has the capacity to support the city’s water treatment plant.
“We are set to launch a new phase covering eight universities and one teaching hospital, with commissioning expected to begin by April,” Aliyu affirmed.
