FULL LIST: Eight varsities to get 24-hour power supply as ministry, agency sign MoU

 

The Federal Ministry of Education has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Federal Government’s Energising Education Programme (EEP) to provide 24-hour electricity on campuses of eight universities.

The agreement was signed at the University of Abuja (UNIBUJA).

The eight institutuons that will benefit are University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Federal University Wukari, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Federal University Dutse, University of Benin (UNIBEN), and the University of Ibadan (UI).

Speaking, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stressed that under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, the government is focused on developing human capital by providing stable and sustainable energy in the education sector.

He said that ensuring 24-hour electricity for all federal and state-owned tertiary institutions is one of the president’s main priorities.

According to him, the government is already building mini-grid systems ranging from 1.1 to 12.5 megawatts in various universities.

“So far, 24 institutions have benefited from the first three phases of the programme.

“The ministry, through TETFund, plans to support the construction of four to six more mini-grids with capacities between 2 and 10 megawatts in selected universities,” he said.

Alausa further explained that uninterrupted electricity will improve learning environments, boost staff productivity, aid research, and support entrepreneurship, which will help drive economic growth.

Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Abdullahi Ribadu, commended the government and REA for tackling the power challenges in universities.

He described EEP as a practical and cost-effective way to enhance teaching, learning, and research.

Acting vice chancellor of UNIABUJA, Prof. Patricia Lar, expressed the institution’s gratitude, saying the project will reduce operational costs and improve academic performance.

REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, stated that the first three phases of the programme have already delivered over 100 megawatts of clean electricity to 24 federal universities and their teaching hospitals, benefiting more than 600,000 students and 50,000 staff.