Tegbe Commissions 3MW Solar Hybrid Plant at Yakubu Gowon University, Ends Diesel Dependence

 Tegbe Commissions 3MW Solar Hybrid Plant at Yakubu Gowon University, Ends Diesel Dependence

....The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has commissioned a 3MW captive solar hybrid power plant at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly University of Abuja, providing cleaner and more reliable electricity to 58,726 students while ending the institution’s dependence on diesel generators.

The project, developed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under Phase II of the Energizing Education Programme (EEP), combines a 3.3MWp solar photovoltaic array with 3MW AC output and 2MWh battery storage, supported by dedicated grid supply outside solar-generation hours.

The facility also includes 388 solar-powered streetlights installed across the university campus, improving visibility, security and the ability of students and staff to move and study safely after dark.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Tegbe described the project as an investment in human capital and the country’s long-term economic development.

According to him, reliable electricity will help protect academic facilities and specialised equipment, reduce disruptions to teaching and research, and ease pressure on the university’s finances by significantly reducing its dependence on diesel-powered generators.

“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 said.

Tegbe said the project aligned with the electricity component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises investments capable of improving essential services and directly impacting citizens’ lives.

Yakubu Gowon University is one of nine institutions benefiting from Phase II of the Energizing Education Programme, covering seven universities and two teaching hospitals.

The minister said the continuation of the programme across successive phases demonstrated the Federal Government’s sustained commitment to improving electricity supply in educational institutions and creating a better learning environment for young Nigerians.

He urged the university community to protect the newly installed infrastructure and promptly report acts of vandalism involving the solar facility and other electricity assets, including transformers and transmission towers.

Tegbe also disclosed that the Ministry of Power was developing a nationwide electricity complaints call centre that would provide employment opportunities for young Nigerians while improving the reporting and resolution of electricity-related complaints.

He added that a dedicated channel would also be established for reporting vandalism of electricity infrastructure to facilitate prompt intervention.

The minister noted that a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was working to combat vandalism of electricity infrastructure across the country.

Tegbe commended the REA Board, chaired by Ayodele Fayose, the agency’s management led by Abba Abubakar Aliyu, the Nigeria Electrification Programme team and the project contractor for the delivery of the facility.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Capital Territory Administration and the university management towards the successful completion of the project.

REA, in turn, has committed to sustaining the battery storage system to ensure that the university continues to meet its electricity needs while permanently eliminating its dependence on diesel generators and reducing its overall electricity supply costs.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the Minister of Education, members of the governing council and executive management of Yakubu Gowon University, development partners, academic and non-academic staff, as well as students.