The Federal government has approved the sum of N145 billion for electrification projects in six federal universities and one teaching hospital as part of efforts to expand access to clean, renewable energy in Nigeria’s education sector.
The approval was granted at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday.
The Council also approved N68.7 billion for the deployment of solar power infrastructure in off-grid rural communities and agricultural clusters.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who disclosed the details to journalists after the meeting, said the two projects align with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflect a strategic shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
Adelabu said the first initiative, valued at N145 billion, inclusive of 7.5% Value Added Tax, involves the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of solar hybrid power systems for eight federal universities and one teaching hospital under the Energizing Education Programme (EEP).
The projects will be executed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and are expected to be completed within 7 to 9 months.
“This is a major milestone in transforming tertiary education infrastructure. It will drastically cut energy costs, reduce reliance on diesel generators, and provide a stable, clean power source to support teaching, research, and healthcare,” Adelabu said.
He listed the beneficiaries as the University of Lagos (UniLag), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, University of Ibadan (UI), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State. He added that additional institutions would be confirmed at project kick-off.
Adelabu noted that the initiative builds on previous World Bank-supported phases, which delivered solar mini-grids to institutions such as the University of Abuja (3MW), UNN (12MW), University of Calabar (8MW), and the Nigerian Defence Academy (2.6MW).
The second project, with a contract value of ₦68.7 billion, also inclusive of VAT, will support the installation of solar-powered infrastructure in Agricultural Centres of Excellence, targeting rural communities and agricultural hubs without access to the national grid. It is expected to be delivered within three months.
According to the minister, the intervention will power homes, agro-processing facilities, cold storage systems, and rural enterprises, thereby enhancing productivity and stimulating rural economic growth.
“The goal is not just to provide lighting but to energize agriculture, create jobs, and drive value addition in the communities,” he said.
Adelabu emphasised that both projects demonstrate the Tinubu administration’s commitment to using reliable electricity as a catalyst for inclusive development.
“These approvals reaffirm our determination to bridge the energy access gap and ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable, and economically resilient power sector,” he said.