Tegbe Commissions 3MW Solar Hybrid Plant At Yakubu Gowon University, To Provide Clean Power For 58,000 Students

The project, which was executed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), is expected to permanently end the university’s dependence on diesel generators that have for years gulped millions of Naira in running costs and disrupted academic activities.

The facility was delivered under Phase II of the Federal Government’s Energizing Education Programme (EEP), an initiative designed to provide reliable power to federal tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals across the country.

According to the Ministry of Power, the new plant has a combined capacity of 3.3 megawatt-peak solar array, 3 megawatt AC output and 2 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system. The system is also backed by a dedicated grid supply to ensure that the campus continues to enjoy electricity even when solar power is not available, especially at night and during cloudy weather.

Beyond powering lecture halls, laboratories, hostels and administrative blocks, the project has also installed 388 solar-powered streetlights across the university campus. The streetlights are expected to improve security, enable students to study for longer hours, and ensure safer movement for staff and students at night.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, Minister Tegbe described the project as a strategic investment in human capital development and not just an electricity project.

He explained that when universities have reliable power, expensive laboratory equipment and academic facilities are protected, research work is not disrupted, and institutions save huge amounts previously spent on diesel.

Tegbe said the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is directing electricity investments to critical sectors that directly impact the lives of Nigerians.

He stated, “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. These benefits extend beyond the campus, through graduates whose skills strengthen the economy and research that helps solve the country’s problems”.

The Minister disclosed that Yakubu Gowon University is one of nine beneficiary institutions under Phase II of the Energizing Education Programme, which covers seven universities and two teaching hospitals. He noted that the continuation of the programme across different phases demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable power for educational institutions beyond commissioning events.

Tegbe urged students and staff of the university to take ownership of the new infrastructure and protect it against vandalism. He called on them to promptly report any act of vandalism affecting the solar system, transformers and transmission towers within and around the campus.

He further disclosed that the Ministry of Power is working on a nationwide electricity complaints call centre that will create employment opportunities for young Nigerians. According to him, the centre will have a dedicated channel for reporting vandalism of power infrastructure for quick intervention.

The Minister also revealed that a joint task force comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently working to curb the growing cases of vandalism of power assets across the country.

Tegbe commended the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency chaired by Mr. Ayodele Fayose, the management team led by Mr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, the Nigeria Electrification Programme team and the contractor that handled the project for delivering on time. He also expressed appreciation to the World Bank, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the management of Yakubu Gowon University for their support.

The REA, on its part, has pledged to maintain the battery storage system and ensure optimal performance, effectively ending the use of diesel generators on the campus and reducing the overall cost of electricity supply to the institution.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Honourable Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory and Education, members of the Governing Council and management of Yakubu Gowon University, representatives of development partners, staff and students of the institution.