A Push Toward Solar Transition in Education
The Yobe State Government has announced an ambitious plan to make solar energy the primary power source for all its public secondary schools. The transition is set to phase out fossil fuels by 2025, reducing the state’s dependency and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Alhaji Baba Malam-Wali, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), revealed the plan on Monday during an inspection of school projects in Nguru. His visit included tours of several institutions, including the Government Higher Islamic College, Nguru; Government Day Secondary School, Gashua; Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Yobe Campus; and Government Girls Unity College, Damaturu.
The Yobe State Government’s solar transition is more than an energy change; it reflects a deep commitment to sustainable development. By adopting solar, Yobe aims to lower energy costs for its public schools while ensuring a reliable power supply that is resilient to outages. Malam-Wali highlighted that the switch will improve the learning environment by providing uninterrupted power for students and teachers, especially during evening study hours.
Educational Reforms Underway Since 2019
This solar transition is part of a broader educational reform strategy that began in 2019. According to Malam-Wali, the state has already implemented several initiatives to increase access to quality education and improve school conditions. For instance, to address overcrowding in urban areas, Yobe has constructed new model schools, enhancing learning environments and ensuring a better teacher-to-student ratio.
The government has also partnered with traditional rulers to promote primary school enrollment in rural areas and expand educational access across Yobe State. This collaboration aims to ensure that students in remote communities have the same educational opportunities as their urban counterparts, addressing disparities in enrollment and resources.
To further support students and their families, the government has committed to paying examination fees for students taking the West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE) and National Examination Council (NECO) exams in 2025, alleviating financial strain on parents. Additionally, the state has prioritized female education by establishing new secondary schools for girls, which advances gender equality and encourages more young women to pursue their education.
A Solar Transition Supported by National Energy Reforms
Yobe State’s transition to solar power aligns with recent reforms in Nigeria’s power sector. In 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the 2023 Electricity Act into law, a piece of legislation aimed at decentralizing power generation, transmission, and distribution across the country.
This law empowers states, companies, and individuals to play active roles in generating and managing electricity within their jurisdictions. It replaces the Electricity and Power Sector Reform Act of 2005, providing more freedom for states like Yobe to pursue renewable energy projects.
Initially passed in 2022, the Act allows states to issue licenses to private investors for setting up mini-grids and local power plants. This development enables states to pursue localized solutions, reducing their dependence on the national grid. An amendment in April 2024 further strengthened the Act, introducing transparency measures designed to make the power sector more efficient and effective.
Yobe’s solar transition for its public schools could become a model for other states in Nigeria. Supported by the 2023 Electricity Act, the state’s move to phase out fossil fuels and embrace solar power could inspire similar projects nationwide. This approach shows how renewable energy can improve public services, reduce environmental impact, and lead to long-term cost savings.
