The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) during the 2024 EEP Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum held in Abuja. The event, organized by the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP), brought together university administrators, health professionals, government officials, and international partners, including representatives from the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Themed “Empowering Education through Sustainable Energy: Collaborative Pathways for the Long-term Success of the Energizing Education Programme (EEP),” the three-day forum focused on strategies to maintain the solar hybrid power plants deployed across 37 federal universities and 7 affiliated teaching hospitals. These institutions are now equipped with over 100MW of clean energy through the EEP initiative, launched by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2018.
Phase-by-Phase Impact and Sustainability Challenges
Since its launch, the EEP has completed Phase I, deploying solar hybrid plants to 9 universities and 1 teaching hospital. Phases II and III are set to extend this impact to additional universities, with support from the World Bank and AfDB, respectively. However, concerns over sustainability, especially regarding the Phase I projects, prompted the forum’s discussions.
At the event, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, Managing Director and CEO of REA, addressed these challenges. “The issues faced by Phase I institutions have been acknowledged, and we have already begun implementing measures to address them, ensuring sustainability across all phases,” he stated. Aliyu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring no institution is left behind in this transformative energy journey.
Collaborative Agreement for Sustainability
A key highlight of the forum was the signing of a Collaborative Agreement between REA-NEP and beneficiary institutions across Phases I, II, and III. The agreement outlines the roles, responsibilities, and financial commitments required to sustain the solar power plants.
This revised agreement emphasizes institutional responsibility. Universities must sign on to REA’s Sustainability Plan, which includes a financial model for cost-sharing, maintenance frameworks, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Institutions failing to comply with the agreement will no longer hold REA accountable for power plant issues.
Capacity Building for University Personnel
In addition to the agreement, REA highlighted its capacity-building initiative, which aims to empower university staff with the necessary skills to manage the power plants independently. This ensures that the institutions can maintain the facilities and troubleshoot issues, fostering long-term success.
Addressing Phase I Challenges and Ensuring Future Success
The forum also aimed to address concerns surrounding the sustainability of Phase I power plants, especially at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG). REA’s proactive approach, showcased during the forum, was well-received by participants. Many institutions committed to signing the agreement and taking responsibility for their power plants’ success.
Collaborative Path Forward
“The discussions and agreements reached at this forum mark a critical turning point for the Energizing Education Programme,” said Olufemi Akinyelure, Head of the Nigeria Electrification Programme. The agreement signed by 15 institutions, with 9 more expected to sign soon, demonstrates a collective commitment to securing clean and reliable energy for Nigeria’s educational institutions.
Aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes expanding alternative energy access to underserved communities, REA remains focused on advancing sustainable energy solutions. This initiative will play a critical role in enhancing education, energy access, and economic development across Nigeria.
List of Universities Signed the Collaborative Agreement:
- University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital
- Modibbo Adama University
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
- University of Maiduguri and Teaching Hospital
- University of Abuja
- University of Calabar Teaching Hospital
- University of Lokoja
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike
- University of Uyo
- Federal University of Technology, Akure
- Federal University, Gashua
- Federal University, Dustin-Ma
- Federal University, Lafia
- Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun
As Nigeria pushes forward with its energy transition goals, the collaborative efforts between REA and the universities aim to secure reliable, clean energy for the nation’s educational sector, while ensuring that these projects remain sustainable for years to come.
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