The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦68.7 billion for electricity projects aimed at improving power supply in universities and teaching hospitals across Nigeria.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced the development after Thursday’s FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. He said the funding underscores the government’s commitment to providing stable electricity for critical sectors such as health and education.
The projects fall under the Energising Education Programme, spearheaded by the Rural Electrification Agency, and will cover engineering, procurement, and construction in select institutions.
Adelabu said the initiative aims to reduce the energy cost burden on universities and hospitals by supplying reliable, high-quality electricity. He described the electricity challenges in many public institutions as disturbing, noting that unreliable power has disrupted services and even led to industrial actions in some cases.
The new round of funding will benefit eight additional institutions: University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Ibadan with its University College Hospital, University of Calabar, and the Federal University Wukari. These projects are expected to be completed within seven to nine months.
Adelabu also highlighted previous renewable energy successes in institutions such as the University of Abuja, the University of Niger (12 MW solar), Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (8 MW), Nigerian Defence Academy (2.6 MW), and the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi.
In addition to the university electrification projects, FEC approved another initiative focused on Agricultural Centres of Excellence in rural areas. This project will use solar energy to power small and micro agro-processing businesses. Adelabu said the plan includes delivering solar-powered equipment to boost agricultural output in underserved communities.
