FG okays ₦68.7bn for power projects in varsities, hospitals

FG okays ₦68.7bn for power projects in varsities, hospitals

The Federal Government has approved a total of ₦68.7 billion for critical electricity infrastructure across select universities and teaching hospitals in Nigeria.

The approval is aimed at improving the education and healthcare sectors.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made the disclosure while briefing journalists after Thursday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to Adelabu, the approval covers engineering, procurement, and construction works under Phase Two of the Energising Education Programme, implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The initiative is aimed at providing stable, renewable energy to federal institutions that have long suffered from erratic power supply.

“This intervention is designed to reduce the cost burden of power on universities and teaching hospitals while ensuring a stable, high-quality electricity supply,” Adelabu said.

He lamented the current power challenges in many tertiary institutions, describing them as “disturbing” and a major obstacle to efficient service delivery.

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“Several institutions have experienced blackouts and even industrial unrest due to unreliable electricity,” he added.

The minister noted that similar projects had already been completed at the University of Abuja, Usmanu Danfodiyo University (Sokoto), Nigerian Defence Academy (Kaduna), University of Niger (12MW solar), and the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

The new phase will extend renewable energy infrastructure to eight additional institutions: University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University (Zaria), Obafemi Awolowo University (Ile-Ife), University of Nigeria (Nsukka), University of Calabar, University of Ibadan (including its University College Hospital), and the Federal University, Wukari.

Adelabu said the projects are expected to be completed within seven to nine months.

“This marks another major step toward uninterrupted power supply in our tertiary institutions. It will redefine the energy landscape of Nigerian universities and hospitals,” he stated.

In addition, the Council approved a second initiative targeting Agricultural Centres of Excellence in rural communities. The project, the minister said, will deploy solar-powered equipment to support agro-processing and productive use among micro and small agricultural enterprises.

“This is not just about lighting homes,” Adelabu said. “It is about powering rural businesses, boosting food production, and creating sustainable livelihoods through clean energy.”

FG okays ₦68.7bn for power projects in varsities, hospitals