FG Commissions 3MW Solar Hybrid Project to Power Abuja University

• The Federal Government has commissioned a 3MW solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, formerly the University of Abuja.

• The facility combines a 3.3MW solar array, 3MW AC output capacity and 2MWh battery storage to support critical campus operations.

• REA said the Energising Education Programme has deployed more than 100MW of renewable energy across 22 federal universities and three affiliated teaching hospitals.

September 17, () – The Federal Government has commissioned a 3MW solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, to strengthen electricity supply for teaching, research, laboratories and other critical operations.

The project was delivered under Phase II of the Energising Education Programme (EEP) in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the World Bank-funded Nigeria Electrification Project.

Joseph Tegbe, Minister of Power, commissioned the facility on Wednesday, describing the project as an example of how energy investment can support human capital development.

He said universities provided a practical environment for demonstrating the value of Nigeria’s energy transition because they require reliable electricity for learning, research, healthcare, technology, administration and digital services.

The facility comprises a 3.3MW solar array, 3MW AC output capacity and 2MWh of battery storage to provide power for critical loads beyond solar hours.

Tegbe said the project was only the beginning of efforts to extend reliable electricity across the university.

He said the ministry was considering a request from the Student Union Government to extend power to student hostels and other parts of the campus, adding that he expected the remaining areas to be covered within six months.

388 streetlights added

The project also includes 388 streetlights designed to improve campus illumination and security.

Tegbe urged the university community to protect the infrastructure from vandalism, saying the government was working with security agencies to safeguard national assets.

He said a joint working committee involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had been established to monitor national assets and tackle vandalism.

REA expands renewable energy programme

Abba Aliyu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, said the Energising Education Programme had delivered renewable energy infrastructure to 22 federal universities and three affiliated teaching hospitals.

According to him, more than 100MW of clean energy has been deployed under the programme.

Aliyu said the objective was not simply to install solar panels but to provide universities with more reliable electricity for students, lecturers, researchers and laboratories.

He urged Yakubu Gowon University to use the facility as a research platform for renewable energy technologies, battery storage, grid integration, smart metering and energy management.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, described the project as a major investment in the institution’s academic mission, saying dependable electricity was essential for effective teaching, research, laboratory operations and digital services.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, also stressed the importance of reliable electricity to education and urged the government to sustain investments in the sector.

The project includes a Renewable Energy Workshop and Training Centre, as well as a female STEM component aimed at supporting skills development and participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.