Susan Abayomi
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has commissioned a 3MW captive solar hybrid power plant at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja, providing cleaner and more reliable electricity to the institution serving 58,726 students.
The project was delivered by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under Phase II of the Federal Government’s Energizing Education Programme (EEP).
The facility comprises a 3.3MWp solar photovoltaic array, 3MW AC output capacity and 2MWh battery storage system. It is also supported by dedicated grid electricity outside periods of solar generation.
As part of the project, 388 streetlights have been installed across the university campus to improve visibility, enhance security and provide safer conditions for students and staff during evening activities.
Speaking at the commissioning, Tegbe said dependable electricity supply was essential to protecting educational infrastructure, supporting research and reducing the financial burden associated with diesel-powered generators.
He noted that improved electricity supply would also contribute to the development of skilled graduates and research capacity needed to support Nigeria’s broader economic growth.
“Energizing education also protects the investments already made in academic facilities and specialist equipment. It reduces the disruption that weakens research and makes learning more difficult,” the Minister said.
Yakubu Gowon University is among nine institutions benefiting from Phase II of the EEP, which covers seven universities and two teaching hospitals as part of ongoing efforts to improve electricity supply to educational institutions across the country.
Tegbe said the continuation of the programme across successive phases demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving power supply for Nigeria’s younger population.
The Minister also urged students and staff to protect the newly installed infrastructure by promptly reporting vandalism involving the solar facility and other electricity assets, including transformers and transmission towers.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Power is developing a nationwide electricity complaints call centre that would also create employment opportunities for young Nigerians. A separate channel for reporting vandalism of electricity infrastructure is also being developed to facilitate prompt intervention.
According to the Minister, a joint team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is working to tackle vandalism of electricity infrastructure across the country.
Tegbe commended the REA Board, chaired by Ayodele Fayose, the agency’s management led by Abba Abubakar Aliyu, the Nigeria Electrification Programme team and the project contractor for their roles in delivering the facility.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the World Bank, Ministry of Education, FCT Administration and the university management to the project.
REA has committed to maintaining the battery storage system to ensure that the university’s electricity requirements continue to be met, with the project expected to eliminate reliance on diesel generators and reduce the institution’s overall electricity costs.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory and Education, members of the Governing Council and Executive Management of Yakubu Gowon University, development partners, staff and students.
