The Federal Government has commissioned a 3-megawatt hybrid mini-grid project and a Renewable Energy Workshop and Training Centre at Yakubu Gowon University in Abuja.
The project was commissioned on Wednesday under Phase Two of the Energising Education Programme (EEP), a Federal Government initiative aimed at improving electricity supply to tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals across Nigeria.
The installation at the university comprises a 3.3-megawatt peak solar array, 3MW of alternating-current output capacity and 2MWh of battery storage. The system is designed to provide electricity to critical facilities after daylight hours, while a dedicated grid connection will support non-critical demand.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe said the project would benefit about 58,726 students and improve lighting and security across the university through the installation of 388 streetlights.
Tegbe said reliable electricity would support academic activities, research and other institutional operations while reducing the university’s dependence on diesel-powered generators.
He also called on students and other members of the university community to protect the infrastructure and report vandalism involving the solar installation and other electricity assets.
The minister disclosed that the Federal Government was working on the establishment of a national call centre where electricity consumers could lodge complaints and seek resolution of service-related issues.
According to him, the government also plans to create a dedicated reporting channel for vandalism of critical electricity infrastructure, with relevant security agencies expected to collaborate in tackling the problem.
Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, said the significance of the project went beyond the amount of electricity generated, noting that the intervention was also designed to support functional laboratories, reduce institutional energy costs and create a safer learning environment.
Aliyu said the REA had developed the Renewable Asset Management Company (RAMCO) as part of efforts to ensure renewable energy infrastructure remains operational and productive after commissioning.
He stressed that maintaining the facilities would be essential to protecting the value of the Federal Government’s investment.
The REA boss also disclosed that the Energising Education Programme had delivered more than 100MW of power across 22 federal institutions and university teaching hospitals.
In addition to the power installation, the government established a Renewable Energy Workshop and Training Centre at the university to strengthen technical capacity and promote research in renewable energy.
Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Akinwunmi Fawehinmi, welcomed the intervention, saying reliable electricity was essential for teaching, research and creating a conducive academic environment.
He pledged that the university management would ensure the facility was properly maintained and fully utilised.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Enyinnaya Abaribe, also commended the project and stressed the importance of sustainability in ensuring that public infrastructure continues to serve its intended purpose.
The commissioning represents another step in the Federal Government’s efforts to expand renewable energy deployment in educational institutions and reduce dependence on conventional power sources.
