The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved two strategic electrification projects aimed at increasing access to clean, renewable energy across Nigeria’s educational and rural agricultural sectors, aligning with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking after the FEC meeting on Thursday, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said the approved projects form part of a conscious move towards sustainable energy supply, intended to lessen reliance on the national grid while fostering development, innovation, and inclusivity.
Adelabu stated that the first major approval is for the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) of solar hybrid power systems under the Energising Education Programme (EEP), to be carried out by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). This initiative targets eight federal universities and one teaching hospital and is funded through the Special Intervention Window of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.
According to Adelabu, the total cost of this component is N145 billion, which includes 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT). Implementation is expected to be completed within seven to nine months.
“This is a major milestone in the transformation of our tertiary education infrastructure,” the minister said.
“It will significantly lower energy costs, reduce reliance on diesel generators, and provide a clean, stable source of power to support learning, research, and healthcare delivery.”
The minister disclosed that the beneficiary institutions under this new phase are:
University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife; University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); University of Ibadan (UI); University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan; and Federal University, Wukari (Taraba State).
The minister said the others are to be confirmed upon project kickoff.
This project builds on earlier World Bank-supported phases that delivered solar mini-grid systems to institutions such as the University of Abuja (3MW), UNN (12MW), University of Calabar (8MW), and the Nigerian Defence Academy (2.6MW).
The second approval covers the deployment of solar-powered infrastructure in Agricultural Centres of Excellence, also under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund and implemented by the REA.
According to the minister, this phase aims to serve rural communities and agricultural clusters that remain off-grid.
With a total contract value of ₦68.7 billion inclusive of VAT, this component is expected to be delivered within three months. It is designed to power homes, agro-processing units, cold storage systems, and small rural enterprises, thereby boosting productivity and rural economies.
“The goal here is not just lighting homes, but energising agriculture, creating jobs, and enabling value addition right in the communities,” Adelabu said.
Both interventions, the minister emphasised, demonstrate the Tinubu administration’s commitment to making access to reliable electricity a vital part of inclusive development.
He further stated that these projects will serve as models for expanding renewable energy use in other sectors, particularly in education, health, and agriculture.
“These approvals reaffirm our commitment to bridging the energy access gap, ensuring no Nigerian is left behind as we transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable, and economically viable power sector,” Adelabu added.
