FEC approves ₦68.7bn power upgrade for universities, hospitals, communities
By Kunle Sanni –
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved contracts worth ₦68.7 billion for critical power infrastructure projects aimed at boosting electricity supply in federal universities, teaching hospitals, and rural communities.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced the approval on Thursday while briefing journalists after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Adelabu said the intervention is in response to the worsening power situation in some of the nation’s key institutions. “Some universities and hospitals are now in a power crisis, unable to afford unreliable grid electricity,” he stated.
The first phase of the intervention falls under the Energising Education Programme and will cover engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of solar power systems in eight federal institutions. It is being executed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and funded through the Special Intervention Fund for Infrastructure Development.
Beneficiaries include the University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Calabar, University of Ibadan and its College Hospital, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ahmadu Bello University, and Federal University Wukari.
Adelabu noted that the institutions face frequent blackouts that disrupt learning and critical medical services. “This project will ensure uninterrupted, sustainable electricity that improves functionality and reduces reliance on generators,” he said.
The second part of the approval focuses on rural electrification through solar-powered mini-grids for business clusters, agricultural processors, and small enterprises. Adelabu described this as key to unlocking rural economic growth and job creation.
The minister reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to resolving long-standing power challenges, particularly in sectors critical to national development such as education, healthcare, and agriculture.
