By Ayomide Otitoju
Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe has commissioned a 3MW captive solar hybrid power plant at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja, providing cleaner and more reliable electricity to 58,726 students and the university community.
Developed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under Phase II of the Energising Education Programme (EEP), the project features a 3.3MWp solar array, 3MW AC output and 2MWh battery storage, with dedicated grid supply available outside solar hours.
The facility also includes 388 streetlights installed across the campus to improve security and provide safer conditions for students and staff during evening hours.
Tegbe described the project as an investment in education and human capital, saying reliable electricity would protect academic facilities and specialist equipment, reduce diesel costs and support research and learning.
“Energizing education also protects the investments already made in academic facilities and specialist equipment. It reduces the disruption that weakens research and makes learning more difficult,” the minister said.
He added that the benefits would extend beyond the university through graduates whose skills contribute to economic development and research aimed at addressing national challenges.
Yakubu Gowon University is one of nine institutions covered under Phase II of the EEP, comprising seven universities and two teaching hospitals.
Tegbe urged students and staff to protect the infrastructure and report vandalism involving the solar facility and other electricity assets, including transformers and transmission towers.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Power was developing a nationwide electricity complaints call centre, alongside a dedicated channel for reporting vandalism of power infrastructure.
According to the minister, a joint team comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is working to curb vandalism nationwide.
Tegbe commended the REA Board, chaired by Ayodele Fayose, the agency’s management led by Abba Abubakar Aliyu, the Nigeria Electrification Programme team and the project contractor for delivering the facility.
He also acknowledged the support of the World Bank, Ministry of Education, Federal Capital Territory Administration and the university management.
The REA has committed to sustaining the battery storage system to meet the university’s electricity needs and support the reduction of diesel generator use on campus.
The commissioning was attended by the ministers of the Federal Capital Territory and Education, members of the university’s governing council and management, development partners, staff and students.
