FG allocates N100bn to build solar mini-grids at UCH, UNILAG, others

FG allocates N100bn to build solar mini-grids at UCH, UNILAG, others

The Federal Government has earmarked N100 billion in the 2025 budget, currently awaiting approval by the National Assembly, to install solar mini-grids in selected government institutions, federal universities, and their teaching hospitals.

Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, Abba Aliyu, announced on Tuesday that once the budget is passed and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, his agency will begin implementing the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative under the Federal Ministry of Power.

The initiative aims to provide cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally friendly electricity to public institutions while reducing governance costs.

Aliyu noted that the government had assessed the high expenditure of public institutions on diesel and generators, prompting the decision to invest in solar power as a sustainable alternative.

The announcement follows a recent protest by University of Ibadan students over a prolonged 100-day power outage at the University College Hospital, UCH. In response, Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu assured students that power supply would be restored. Aliyu confirmed that UCH, alongside four other institutions, will benefit from the upcoming solar mini-grid deployment.

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“In the next six months, I will tell you that I have started the process of deploying mini-grids in an additional five universities. I will tell you that I have completed at least two of the eight mini-grids that I am deploying in the eight universities and one teaching hospital,” Aliyu stated.

Institutions targeted include the University of Lagos, the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Ahmadu Bello University.

Beyond universities, REA plans to install solar systems in key government agencies in Abuja and other locations. Aliyu further revealed that 60 mini-grids would be commissioned before the next six months, with 40 interconnect grids set for deployment to enhance power reliability.

Previously, REA completed interventions in seven universities and two teaching hospitals, including a 12MW hybrid mini-grid at the University of Maiduguri, which also powers the city’s water treatment plant. The new phase of installations will commence as early as April 2025.

 

FG allocates N100bn to build solar mini-grids at UCH, UNILAG, others