Power minister, Tegbe inaugurates 3MW solar hybrid power project at UniAbuja
Power minister, Tegbe inaugurates 3MW solar hybrid power project at UniAbuja
Joseph Tegbe, minister of power, has inaugurated a 3 MW captive solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA).
The project, developed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under phase II of the energising education programme (EEP), is expected to provide stable and cleaner electricity to the university’s 58,726 students.
In a statement on Wednesday, Adeola Labzy, special adviser to the minister on media and publicity, said the facility combines a 3.3 MWp solar array with 3 MW of AC output and 2 MWh of battery storage.
The project is also backed by a dedicated grid supply outside solar hours and includes 388 streetlights installed across the campus.
Tegbe said the project would reduce the university’s reliance on diesel generators while protecting academic facilities and specialist equipment.
“Energising 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,” the minister said.
“These benefits extend beyond the campus, through graduates whose skills strengthen the economy and research that helps solve the country’s problems.”
He linked the project to President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, saying electricity investment is being directed towards services and activities that directly improve citizens’ lives.
Tegbe urged students and staff of the university to protect the infrastructure by reporting vandalism of the solar system and other electricity assets, including transformers and transmission towers.
He said the ministry is developing a nationwide electricity complaints call centre that would also create jobs for young Nigerians, alongside a dedicated channel for reporting vandalism for immediate action.
The minister said a joint team comprising the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is working to curb vandalism of electricity infrastructure nationwide.
He commended the REA board, chaired by Ayodele Fayose; REA management led by Abba Abubakar Aliyu; the Nigeria electrification programme team; and the project contractor for delivering the facility.
Tegbe also thanked the World Bank, ministry of education, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration and university management for their support.
According to the statement, the university is one of nine institutions covered under Phase II of the EEP, comprising seven universities and two teaching hospitals.
