Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Milestone: 15 Universities Now Fully Connected to Solar Farms

The Rural Electrification Agency has achieved a major milestone in Nigeria’s energy transition, successfully connecting 15 federal universities to solar farms while advancing the world’s largest publicly funded renewable energy access programme. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has announced that 15 universities across Nigeria have been fully connected to solar farms through its renewable energy intervention programmes, marking a transformative step toward sustainable energy infrastructure for the nation’s education sector. REA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abba Aliyu, disclosed this achievement during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, confirming that all 15 institutions are now fully operational with their solar installations. “We also have completed our interventions in the universities where we completed 15 universities as of today. All these universities now are fully connected with the solar farms,” Aliyu stated. This development represents a critical pivot away from the unreliable national grid toward localized, renewable energy generation for Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, delivering uninterrupted power to support 202,983 students, 23,088 staff members, and 5,500 medical professionals across these institutions.

The university solarisation forms an integral component of the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) project, which Aliyu described as the largest publicly funded renewable energy access programme in the world. The DARES initiative is structured to catalyze the off-grid energy market through targeted grant support for mini-grid and standalone solar projects, aiming to impact the lives of approximately 17.5 million Nigerians. The Nigeria DARES Project is a $750 million initiative funded by the World Bank and is designed to accelerate access to reliable, decentralized energy solutions for unserved and underserved communities across Nigeria. The project aims to empower state governments, enable private sector participation, and scale solar technologies while contributing to the broader Mission 300 agenda—a global effort to deliver energy access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. Aliyu emphasized that the project has attracted significant interest and participation from the private sector, contributing to its rapid expansion, noting that for the first time in the country, the agency is deploying more than 1,000 mini-grids nationwide, including both isolated and interconnected mini-grids.

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The university solarisation is primarily executed under the REA’s Energizing Education Programme (EEP) , a Federal Government of Nigeria initiative aimed at providing reliable and sustainable electricity to Federal Universities and their affiliated Teaching Hospitals through solar hybrid power plants and rehabilitated distribution infrastructure. The programme is being implemented in phases, with EEP Phase II, funded by the World Bank, covering seven universities and two teaching hospitals where commissioning is already underway across all institutions, delivering a combined 32MW of newly installed captive solar power plants across beneficiary institutions. Notable installations under Phase II include a 12MW hybrid system at the University of Maiduguri and its Teaching Hospital in Borno State, a 7MW plant at the University of Calabar and its Teaching Hospital, a 3MW installation at the University of Abuja, 3MW installations at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta and the Michael Okpara Federal University of Agriculture in Umudike, a 2.5MW facility at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna, and a 1.5MW installation at Federal University, Gashua in Yobe State. EEP Phase III, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), covers eight federal universities and one teaching hospital, with commissioning targeted for Q4 2025, adding another 36.5MW of clean capacity across eight additional university campuses, with Aliyu confirming that “another round of eight more have been developed” as the agency continues expanding its footprint in the education sector.

The cost-saving impact of the programme has been remarkable, with Alex Ekwueme Federal University saving almost ₦2 billion in the last five years on energy bills, showcasing how sustainable energy solutions can drive financial efficiency in public institutions, which is particularly significant given that recent increases in electricity tariffs have impacted public universities, with some paying between N150 million and N300 million monthly for electricity bills. Beyond power access, the EEP Phase II projects have already equipped 140 female STEM students with hands-on training in power system design and construction, while an additional 700 students will be trained in renewable energy courses at world-class training centers in the first year of operations and maintenance, demonstrating the programme’s commitment to inclusive capacity building.

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The REA’s renewable energy push extends beyond universities, with the agency currently deploying more than 1,000 mini-grids nationwide, alongside 48 interconnected mini-grid projects developed in collaboration with electricity distribution companies, operating on aggressive execution timelines of between six and eight months per site. The DARES project has also attracted significant private-sector interest and participation, with Aliyu confirming that the agency has signed several memoranda of understanding with Nigerian banks covering equipment financing, debt financing, and bridge financing for private-sector operators, catalyzing N1.1 billion private sector funding to deploy 1,350 mini grids. Under the Performance-Based Grant sub-component for isolated mini-grids, for instance, Privida Power Limited secured a grant to deploy 2.47 megawatts of solar mini-grids across eleven communities in Kogi State, providing over 11,027 new connections, while eight companies under the Standalone Solar Systems component signed agreements to roll out tier 1 and 2 plug-and-play solutions to households and MSMEs across rural Nigeria. The REA recently completed Nigeria’s first nationwide electricity access mapping exercise, which identified more than 750,000 communities requiring energy infrastructure development, providing critical data for the expansion of electricity access through renewable energy projects.

In a move to ensure the long-term viability of these investments, the REA has established a sustainability framework requiring beneficiary institutions to actively maintain their solar infrastructure, with representatives from 15 universities signing collaborative agreements during the 2024 EEP Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum committing to regular maintenance protocols and financial responsibility for ongoing operational costs. The REA maintains that the approach is private-sector driven, with capital grants used to incentivise operators rather than relying solely on traditional government contracting models, ensuring sustainability as private operators have their own financial stake in the infrastructure they deploy and manage. Aliyu highlighted the agency’s commitment to expanding access to underserved communities, noting that the comprehensive mapping exercise has enabled the agency to strategically target interventions where they are most needed, ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy reach all corners of the country.

Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Milestone: 15 Universities Now Fully Connected to Solar Farms

Tinubu appoints Olanrewaju-Smart as Special Adviser on House of Reps matters

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart as the new Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), following the resignation of Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, who stepped down to pursue an elective political office in his home state.

The appointment takes immediate effect and was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the Presidency, the appointment is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Executive and the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, as the Tinubu administration advances key legislative reforms and governance priorities.

Olanrewaju-Smart is widely regarded as an experienced legislative strategist and public policy expert, having served in several senior positions within both the National Assembly and the Presidency.

He holds a Doctorate in Educational Management from Lead City University, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University, where he was an Edward Mason Fellow in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, and is also a LEAPS Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

In addition, he earned a Professional Diploma in Public Relations from the London School of Public Relations and served as a Policy Fellow at Quantum Alliance AI in the United States, where his work focused on artificial intelligence, digital governance and civic technology.

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His legislative career began during the 7th and 8th National Assemblies, when he served as Research and Media Assistant to both the Minority and Majority Leaders of the House of Representatives.

Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become Special Adviser, Deputy Chief of Staff, and later Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives during the 9th and 10th National Assemblies, gaining extensive experience in legislative administration, policy coordination and executive-legislative engagement.

In October 2023, President Tinubu appointed him Senior Special Assistant to the President on Intergovernmental Affairs, a role in which he coordinated relationships between the Presidency, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), state governments and other stakeholders.

The Presidency also credited Olanrewaju-Smart with contributing to policy development and legislative research for several important bills, including the Interest-Free Student Loan Act, one of the administration’s flagship education reforms designed to improve access to higher education for Nigerian students.

Announcing the appointment, President Tinubu expressed confidence that Olanrewaju-Smart’s experience, academic background and understanding of legislative processes would strengthen cooperation between the Presidency and the House of Representatives.

The President said the new adviser is expected to improve policy coordination, facilitate legislative engagement and deepen collaboration between the Executive, lawmakers and government institutions to support the implementation of the administration’s reform agenda.

Political observers say the appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to maintaining cordial Executive-legislative relations, which remain crucial to the passage of government bills, budget implementation and broader governance reforms.

With his extensive experience in parliamentary affairs and public policy, Olanrewaju-Smart is expected to play a key role in promoting effective communication between the Presidency and members of the House of Representatives while supporting the smooth implementation of government policies requiring legislative backing.

The Presidency said the appointment takes effect immediately.

Tinubu appoints Olanrewaju-Smart as Special Adviser on House of Reps matters

INEC Chairman assures Nigerians every vote will count in 2027 general election

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has assured Nigerians that every valid vote cast in the 2027 general election will count, reaffirming the electoral body’s commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and transparent elections.

Amupitan gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State, where he sought the elder statesman’s continued support for INEC’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the next general election.

The INEC chairman described Abdulsalami as “the father of democracy in Nigeria,” saying his successful transition from military to civilian rule in 1999 laid the foundation for the country’s Fourth Republic and remains one of the most significant milestones in Nigeria’s democratic history.

According to Amupitan, Abdulsalami has continued to play a vital role in promoting peaceful elections through the National Peace Committee, whose Peace Accord initiative has encouraged political parties, candidates and supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, reject violence and respect democratic principles.

He said INEC views the former military leader as a dependable pillar of support whose guidance and interventions have contributed to electoral stability and democratic consolidation.

Describing the visit as “a pilgrimage of appreciation,” Amupitan said it was meant to honour Abdulsalami’s decades of service to the nation and acknowledge his continued commitment to peace, national unity and democratic governance.

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He also congratulated the former Head of State on his recent 84th birthday, describing him as a statesman whose leadership continues to inspire confidence across the country.

Addressing concerns over the credibility of future elections, the INEC chairman assured Nigerians that the commission remains focused on protecting the integrity of the electoral process despite the challenges associated with conducting nationwide elections.

“The commission’s determination under my leadership is to ensure that ordinary Nigerians go out to vote with confidence that their votes will be duly counted and reflected in the outcome of elections,” Amupitan said.

He stressed that guaranteeing the sanctity of every valid vote remains one of INEC’s core constitutional responsibilities and pledged that the commission would continue implementing measures aimed at improving transparency, professionalism and public confidence in the electoral system.

Amupitan also reaffirmed the commission’s timetable for the 2027 general election, announcing that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

He urged eligible Nigerians to actively participate in the electoral process, noting that democracy can only thrive when citizens exercise their voting rights and have confidence that their choices will be respected.

The INEC chairman further called on political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, security agencies, the media and other stakeholders to work together in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections across the country.

He said sustained collaboration among stakeholders would strengthen public trust in the electoral process and reduce tensions before, during and after the polls.

Responding, Abdulsalami commended the INEC chairman for the visit and acknowledged the enormous responsibility placed on the electoral commission in delivering credible elections.

The former Head of State urged Nigerians to support INEC in its preparations for the 2027 general election, stressing that credible elections remain the cornerstone of democracy and national stability.

He also appealed to political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and place the nation’s interest above partisan considerations, noting that violence and electoral malpractice undermine democratic development.

The renewed assurance by the INEC chairman comes at a time when public interest in the credibility of the 2027 elections continues to grow, with many Nigerians calling for greater transparency, accountability and stronger safeguards to ensure election results accurately reflect the will of the people.

Political observers say INEC’s commitment to protecting the value of every vote will be closely monitored as preparations for the country’s next general election gather momentum.

INEC Chairman assures Nigerians every vote will count in 2027 general election