REA: FG spends $250m to provide 100MW mini-grids to universities, teaching hospitals

-Signs sustainability deal with beneficiaries 

By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja 

The Federal Government on Friday disclosed that it has spent about $250 million to improve electricity supply to 24 Federal Universities and four teaching hospitals as part of efforts by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to expand alternative energy access to underserved and unserved rural communities.

The projects which were executed under the Energizing Education Programme of the Nigeria Electrification Project of the Rural Electrification Agency involve the setting up of solar-powered mini-grids and the revamping of distribution infrastructures in the benefiting universities and teaching hospitals in phase I and phase II of the programme. 

Speaking at the closing of a two-day stakeholders engagement forum on the Energizing Education Programme in Abuja, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu said the projects would improve electricity supply to the universities at an affordable rate.

Adelabu who was represented by Mr. Bem Anyangeaor noted that studies have shown that there is a direct link between energy access and education outcomes. 

He said: “When schools have reliable electricity, they can extend learning hours, utilize educational technology, and create safe and comfortable learning environments. This, in turn, leads to increased enrollment, improved academic performance, and enhanced teacher/student productivity. 

“This is why the EEP was conceptualized to address the issue of electricity access in our educational institutions. Although a number of universities in Nigeria are connected to the national grid, the consistency and quality of electricity supply can differ substantially, particularly in rural regions. However, many educational institutions in Nigeria continue to grapple with the challenges of securing reliable and affordable electricity. 

“These challenges include infrastructure limitations, financial constraints, and technical difficulties, which collectively hinder the delivery of quality education and undermine the academic experience. Despite these challenges, we have opportunities for innovation and collaboration. By investing in renewable energy technologies, improving grid infrastructure, and promoting energy efficiency, we can overcome these obstacles and expand access to electricity in educational institutions across the country”, he added.

Chief Adelabu pointed out that the “relationship between energy access and education is undeniable, and sustainability is the key to unlocking this potential. By investing in energy infrastructure and ensuring that all educational institutions have access to reliable and affordable electricity, we can create a brighter future for our nation”.

Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO, of Rural Electrification Agency, REA, Mr Abba Abubakar Aliyu said the programme is expected to provide reliable and affordable power supply to the 37 federal universities and seven affiliated teaching hospitals. 

He said the programme had spent $250 million in project solar-powered mini-grids and substations at the institutions. 

He disclosed that the institutions are being equipped with solar hybrid power plants, collectively capable of generating over 100MW of clean energy. 

“A lot of money has been committed, public sector funding of a total of over $250 million has been spent in both phase II and phase III of this project to deploy these infrastructures, build distribution networks, upgrade substations, meter all the connecting areas within the universities and at the same time build world-class training centres at the universities and established a foundation of training students of the universities on renewable energy”, he stated. 

On his part, the Head of, the Nigeria Electrification Project, Mr. Olufemi Akinyelure said while projects in phase II of the programme have been completed, those in phase III will be ready by the first quarter of next year.

While noting power supply from the facilities won’t be free, he stated that it would be far cheaper than the regular grid supply. 

Akinyelure explained that the collaboration agreement deal with the universities and teaching hospitals would ensure the sustainability of the facilities. 

“This agreement, which now applies to Phases I, II, and III, outlines the roles, responsibilities, and financial commitments necessary to sustain the solar power plants. The sustainability and business case models for EEP Phase I were especially emphasized to correct any previous oversights and ensure the alignment of all phases with the long-term sustainability framework. 

“Notably, the agreement has been revised to clarify its nature. Any binding clauses have been removed, with a clear statement that REA will not be held responsible for power plant performance if the institutions do not adhere to the sustainability framework established by REA. This ensures that the responsibility for ongoing operational success rests with the universities themselves, in close collaboration with REA”, he added.

Some of the benefiting universities are Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University &Teaching Hospital, the University of Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, the University of Benin, and the University of Abuja amongst others.  

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