FG Powers UNILAG, 23 Other Tertiary Institutions with Solar Energy in Nationwide Push

The Federal Government has equipped 24 federal tertiary institutions, including the University of Lagos (UNILAG), with solar power as part of its Energising Education Project (EEP), a nationwide renewable energy initiative under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the development during a signing ceremony in Abuja with vice chancellors of the beneficiary institutions. He hailed the project as a major step toward delivering sustainable and reliable electricity to campuses across Nigeria.

“This initiative provides 24-hour electricity, powering classrooms, labs, libraries, and improving the overall campus experience for students and faculty alike,” Alausa stated.

Funded through the Renewable Infrastructure Fund introduced by the Tinubu government, the project aims to reduce reliance on diesel generators and mitigate the frequent power disruptions that have long hampered academic and research activities.

New beneficiaries of the project include Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Federal Universities in Wukari and Dutse; University of Benin; University of Ibadan; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; and UNILAG. An additional eight universities are set to join in Phase 4.

At Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja), a recently launched solar farm with 6,000 panels now generates 3.3 megawatts of electricity—enough to sustain uninterrupted power supply across the campus.

Minister Alausa emphasized the economic benefits of reliable electricity, encouraging university leaders to prioritize innovation and long-term maintenance to ensure sustainability.

According to Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the EEP has so far impacted over 600,000 students and 50,000 staff, delivering more than 100 megawatts of solar power to universities and teaching hospitals nationwide.

Phase 3 of the project, which includes eight additional universities and one more teaching hospital, is nearing completion and set for commissioning within two months. The federal government targets full renewable energy coverage across all federal tertiary institutions by 2027.