On Tuesday, the Vice Chancellor of Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola, announced that the institution is stepping up its use of solar energy for campus operations to reduce expenses and tackle its electricity challenges.
To Limit Reliance on Public Power Supply
Speaking at a press briefing this week, Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdullahi Tukur expressed the university’s commitment to developing its own solar power system. The briefing was part of his accountability report at the end of his five-year term and in preparation for MAU’s 28th Convocation.
Professor Tukur noted that reliance on the public power supply is becoming less feasible, prompting the university to pursue its own sustainable energy solutions. He highlighted that the removal of fuel subsidies, the fluctuation of the naira, and rising energy costs have made economic conditions challenging for both individuals and institutions, The Nation reported.
“The soaring expenses associated with delivering fundamental services and utilities are significantly affecting the institution,” the VC said, stressing that without swift and substantial interventions, “most, if not all universities, might struggle to supply power and water.”
REA and AfDB Co-fund the Solar Project
Vice Chancellor Professor Abdullahi Tukur voiced concern that without significant intervention from the federal government or other institutions, universities could soon struggle to supply electricity to students.
The VC elaborated that the university’s solar energy initiative will begin as part of a program led by Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA), with backing from the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) and other sponsors.
The Vice Chancellor clarified that the solar project, serving as an alternative energy source, will provide the university with power around the clock. He disclosed that a specific area has been set aside for the installation of a photovoltaic farm, with guidelines in place for the maintenance of the projected five megawatts. “Contracts have been awarded, and contractors and consultants have been given site access,” he added.
Nigerian Government Supports Solar Initiative
The government’s initiative to introduce renewable energy to federal universities through the Energising Education Programme (EEP) began in 2016 under the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
This program—executed in three phases—aimed to provide a reliable power supply to 37 federal universities by transitioning them off the national grid and onto clean energy, particularly solar power. The overarching goal was to promote sustainable development, enhance research capabilities, and retire numerous institutional generators.
Solar Powered Street Lamp for Nigerian School Campuses. Image: Collected
Supported by a US$105 million investment from the World Bank, the EEP’s implementation involved constructing power plants, installing street lights for campus security, and rehabilitating distribution infrastructure. The program also included one year of operations and maintenance, along with the development of advanced workshops and training facilities.
Second Phase of the EEP in Progress
Despite challenges, data from the REA indicates significant progress in the first phase of the EEP, with nine universities and one teaching hospital successfully transitioning to solar hybrid and gas-fired captive power plants. These include prominent institutions like the University of Lagos, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, and Obafemi Awolowo University, among others, which previously experienced limited daily power availability.
In September 2023, the federal government initiated the second phase of the EEP, extending the solar energy project to an additional 12 federal universities and seven teaching hospitals nationwide.
This ongoing effort aims to expand clean energy access to more educational institutions. The third phase is planned to cover the remaining schools, ultimately ensuring all 37 institutions benefit from the transition to sustainable power sources.
