FG, REA partner to power universities with 24-hour electricity
The Federal Ministry of Education has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to provide uninterrupted electricity to universities and teaching hospitals under the Energizing Education Programme (EEP). The signing ceremony was held at the University of Abuja, a beneficiary of the initiative.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure through sustainable energy solutions. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing round-the-clock power supply in tertiary institutions across the country.
Dr. Alausa revealed that mini-grid systems between 1.1 and 12.5 megawatts are being constructed in institutions nationwide, with 24 universities already benefiting from Phases I to III. He added that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry, through TETFund, will develop 4 to 6 more mini-grids of up to 10 megawatts.
Eight new universities will benefit from Phase IV of the programme: UNILAG, OAU, UNN, ABU Zaria, Federal University Wukari, Federal University Dutse, University of Benin, and University of Ibadan. Their vice chancellors were present for the signing, except UNIBEN which was represented.
The Minister emphasized that consistent electricity would improve academic performance, support innovation, and enhance research and entrepreneurship, ultimately contributing to economic growth.
REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, noted that earlier phases of the EEP have delivered over 100 megawatts of clean energy to 24 institutions, impacting more than 600,000 students and 50,000 staff. Phase III is nearing completion and will soon be commissioned.
Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, praised the programme as a cost-effective, long-term solution to energy challenges in universities, commending the Federal Government for its practical approach.
University of Abuja Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Patricia Manko Lar, expressed gratitude, saying the power project would reduce operational costs and improve academic delivery. The Ministry pledged to continue its collaboration with REA to deepen the initiative nationwide.
