The Nigerian Government has commissioned a 3-megawatt solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, aimed at improving electricity supply to the institution.
The project was delivered under Phase Two of the Energising Education Programme, EEP, implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, through the World Bank-funded Nigeria Electrification Project.
The facility is expected to provide improved electricity for teaching, research, laboratory operations, digital services and other critical activities at the university, which has nearly 40,000 students and more than 3,500 staff.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Minister of Power, Joseph O. Tegbe, said the project demonstrates the importance of reliable electricity to education, research, technology and human capital development.
The Minister stressed that attention must now shift to the effective operation and maintenance of the facility to ensure its long-term performance.
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The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, said the Energising Education Programme has so far provided renewable energy infrastructure to 22 federal universities and three affiliated teaching hospitals.
According to him, the programme has deployed more than 100 megawatts of clean energy, benefiting over 600,000 students and 50,000 academic and administrative staff nationwide.
The project also features a Renewable Energy Workshop and Training Centre, designed to provide practical training in renewable energy technologies.
The Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, said reliable electricity is essential for effective teaching, research, laboratory operations and digital services.
The project was implemented through collaboration between the Nigerian Government, REA, the Nigeria Electrification Project, the World Bank, Yakubu Gowon University and EMONE Energy Solutions.
The government said the sustainability of the facility will depend on proper operation, maintenance and protection of the infrastructure.
