Federal polytechnics have called for urgent intervention to address soaring electricity costs, seeking the deployment of solar solutions to enhance sustainable power supply across campuses.

During a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, the Committee of Chairmen of Governing Councils of Federal Polytechnics, led by Sen. Barnabas Gemade, highlighted the severe impact of unreliable and costly electricity on academic institutions.

The delegation stressed the need for a rapid transition to solar power, particularly for polytechnics in remote areas yet to be connected to the national grid.

The discussions focused on the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI), a government-backed programme designed to provide clean and stable electricity to key public institutions, including polytechnics.

The initiative aligns with efforts to improve the quality of technical education and drive economic growth through renewable energy adoption. The federal government approved N100 billion for the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI) to provide clean energy solutions to public institutions, aiming to reduce electricity costs and reliance on diesel generators.

This funding is part of a broader drive to establish Nigeria as West Africa’s renewable energy hub. In addition to the NPSSI, the REA is implementing large-scale renewable energy projects backed by significant international financing.

The $750 million Distributed Energy Service project, the largest government-funded renewable initiative in Africa, is already underway, including 14 interconnected mini-grids aimed at expanding energy access. Further support is expected through a $200 million co-financing deal with Japan and a $700 million African Development Bank investment, bringing total funding to nearly $1.7 billion.

REA is also catalyzing private-sector participation, expecting $1.1 billion in private investment for the project alone. Beyond electrification, efforts are being made to localise solar panel and lithium battery production, with new gigawatt-scale manufacturing plants being developed in Nigeria.

These make most polytechnics a good ground for the government to power and upgrade to skill development hubs. The REA’s Managing Director reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to expanding sustainable energy access in educational institutions, referencing the Energising Education Programme (EEP), which has already delivered solar hybrid power plants to several federal universities and teaching hospitals.

Currently in its third phase, the EEP aims to provide clean electricity to 20 universities and three teaching hospitals, improving learning environments and fostering innovation.

Beyond powering institutions, the polytechnic committee also advocated for establishing solar energy training centres to equip students with skills in solar technology, installation and maintenance. This move, they argued, would boost employability and contribute to Nigeria’s growing renewable energy sector.

In response, Aliyu assured the delegation of REA’s readiness to collaborate with polytechnics to accelerate renewable energy adoption. He emphasised that initiatives like the NPSSI align with the government’s broader vision for energy security, economic development and sustainability.

With soaring electricity costs threatening institutional operations, adopting solar power could provide a long-term solution, ensuring stable electricity for learning and innovation while reducing dependence on the national grid since most of the polytechnics are not on the grid.