FG to deliver reliable power to Varsities, Teaching Hospitals under N68.7bn energy project

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the release of ₦68.7 billion to support major electricity infrastructure projects in selected universities and teaching hospitals across Nigeria, as well as rural agricultural centres.

The approval was announced by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, after the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.

Adelabu said the initiative underscores the federal government’s commitment to improving stable electricity in critical sectors like education and healthcare.

The projects will be implemented under the Energising Education Programme led by the Rural Electrification Agency.

He disclosed that the projects will involve full-scale engineering, procurement, and construction aimed at delivering sustainable energy to tertiary institutions and medical facilities.

“This initiative aims to ease the energy cost burden on universities and hospitals by providing reliable, good-quality electricity,” the minister stated.

Describing the current power situation in some institutions as “disturbing,” Adelabu said it has led to crises such as blackouts, service breakdowns, and even industrial actions in some schools and hospitals.

He added that some institutions have already benefitted from earlier renewable energy projects supported by the World Bank, citing examples like the University of Abuja, University of Niger (12 MW solar), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (8 MW), the Nigerian Defence Academy (2.6 MW), and the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

The fresh ₦68.7 billion allocation will support electrification in eight new universities and teaching hospitals, including the University of Lagos; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Ibadan and University College Hospital; University of Calabar; and Federal University, Wukari.

Adelabu assured that these projects would be completed within seven to nine months, promising a significant transformation in campus electricity supply.

“This is another step to ensure our universities enjoy uninterrupted electricity. Our institutions will never be the same again,” he added.

In addition, FEC approved a second power project focused on Agricultural Centres of Excellence in rural communities using solar energy.

The aim is to light up rural homes and empower small-scale agricultural businesses with solar-powered processing tools.

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“This goes beyond lighting homes; it supports productive use of solar-powered equipment in rural areas,” Adelabu said.