The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched a three-megawatt hybrid mini-grid project and a Renewable Energy Workshop and Training Centre at Yakubu Gowon University, which was formerly known as the University of Abuja, on Wednesday.
This project is part of Phase 2 of the Energising Education Programme (EEP). This phase includes seven universities and two teaching hospitals, with locations in Maiduguri and Calabar. The program is now moving forward into Phase 3.
The mini-grid at Yakubu Gowon University features a solar array with 3.3 MWp capacity and 3MW of AC output. It also has 2 MWh of battery storage to support essential needs after solar hours. There is a dedicated grid connection for non-essential demand when there is no sunlight.
At the launch event, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, praised the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Board, led by Ayodele Fayose, and the management team, headed by Abba Abubakar Aliyu, for their efforts in improving lives in Nigeria.
The minister highlighted that this project will benefit 58,726 students and that the 388 streetlights installed will improve safety and lighting on campus. He noted that bringing electricity to the university will support research, cut down on diesel generator use, and relieve financial pressure on the institution.
"This connection between infrastructure and human capability is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Under his guidance, investment in electricity focuses on services and activities that enhance lives," he said.
"This ongoing investment shows this government's dedication. Continuing a national program through different phases and completing projects reflects the commitment that development needs. For the young people relying on these institutions, this continuity matters. It ensures that their future remains a priority beyond just one project or event," he added.
The Minister also spoke about the importance of maintaining the facility. He urged students to take care of the infrastructure and report any vandalism they might see.
He mentioned that the government is setting up a national call centre to handle electricity complaints across the country. "This investment comes with a responsibility for all of us to protect it. I expect the student community to help stop vandalism. I ask all of you to report any such acts whenever you notice them, not just for this solar system but for other power assets like transformers and transmission towers."
"My office is establishing a call centre where people can report electricity complaints nationwide. This initiative will create job opportunities for our youth across the country. We also want to provide a specific channel for reporting vandalism of crucial assets for quick action. We are working with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the EFCC to tackle vandalism of electricity assets nationwide," the Minister added.
In his speech, the Managing Director of the REA, Abba Aliyu, said that the real benefit of the EEP is not just in megawatts but also in functional labs, reduced budget pressure, and safer learning spaces.
He urged the university's governing council to ensure the project remains effective and useful to the community for a long time after the launch. "Over time, the EEP has shown us that when you build, you must think about what happens in five years and if the investment will keep bringing value in the future."
"The Renewable Asset Management Company (RAMCO) is our solution. We must focus on how we protect and maintain what we have built. RAMCO addresses the challenge of sustainability. It understands that building and managing infrastructure are two different jobs, and modern renewable energy is decentralized. The Federal Government has set up a platform to manage, monitor, maintain, and optimize assets over time. RAMCO cannot work alone; it needs support from everyone involved. The real value of this project will depend not just on what we have built, but on how well we take care of it," the REA MD said.
Mr. Aliyu added that besides the mini-grid, the agency has set up a Renewable Energy Workshop and Training Centre to develop local technical skills.
He encouraged the university to turn the facility into a research hub for distributed energy resources. He challenged the institution to create new academic courses, drive technological innovation, and expand the technical capabilities of the installation.
He mentioned that the EEP has delivered over 100MW of power to 22 federal institutions and teaching hospitals. He expressed gratitude to the Minister for his support in ensuring that energy investments provide real benefits to Nigerians.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Akinwunmi Fawehinmi, stressed that the university cannot teach, research, or provide a good learning environment without reliable electricity.
He thanked the Federal Government for its coordinated effort, stating that the project directly meets the university’s energy needs. He promised that the management will make sure the facility is fully used and well maintained.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Enyinnaya Abaribe, praised Abba Aliyu for the project and noted its importance in improving education quality nationwide. He also supported the establishment of RAMCO, saying that sustainability is crucial to ensure that projects continue to benefit Nigerians well after they are launched.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇