The Federal Government has commissioned a 3MW-capacity solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, in a major boost to electricity supply for teaching, research and campus operations.
The project was delivered under Phase II of the Energizing Education Programme (EEP), implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) through the World Bank-funded Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).
With a population of almost 40,000 students, including more than 8,000 living on campus, and over 3,500 staff, the university has faced substantial energy demands across its academic, residential and administrative facilities, making the intervention critical to its daily operations.
According to the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, the investment demonstrates the practical link between Nigeria’s energy transition and human capital development.
The Minister noted that while the new plant will provide a more reliable energy base for the institution, its long-term performance will determine the true success of the investment.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of REA, Abba Aliyu, said the EEP has evolved from simply installing infrastructure to supporting education and national development.
Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, described the project as a direct investment in the university’s core mandate, noting that effective teaching, research, laboratory operations and digital services are impossible without dependable power.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said the project shows the connection between sound energy policy, effective implementation and improved livelihoods.
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Editor: Ada Ononye
