The Federal Government has commissioned a 3MW solar hybrid power plant at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, providing reliable and cleaner electricity to 58,726 students and staff.
The project, commissioned by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, is expected to reduce the university’s dependence on diesel generators and improve electricity supply across the institution.
The facility comprises a 3.3MWp solar array, 3MW AC output capacity and 2MWh battery storage system, with grid electricity available outside solar hours.
Speaking at the commissioning, Tegbe said the project was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve electricity supply to critical public institutions.
He said, “This project is a demonstration of what the Renewed Hope Agenda means in practice — providing reliable power that supports our institutions and the people who depend on them.”
Tegbe added that the project would provide a more sustainable alternative to diesel-powered generators while creating a better environment for teaching, learning and research.
“This is not just about putting solar panels on the ground. It is about ensuring that our universities have the power they need to educate, conduct research and prepare young Nigerians for the future,” he said.
He said the government remained committed to expanding renewable energy solutions across public institutions.
The minister also urged students and staff to protect the infrastructure, stressing that the sustainability of the project would depend partly on the university community.
“This investment belongs to the students and staff. I urge everyone to protect the infrastructure, report vandalism and ensure that these facilities continue to serve generations of students,” Tegbe said.
The project was delivered by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under Phase II of the Energizing Education Programme, with support from the World Bank.
The facility also includes 388 new streetlights installed across the campus to improve visibility and safety for students and staff.
The government said the streetlights would complement the power plant by improving security and movement around the university, particularly during the night.
The REA management and board were commended for their role in delivering the project, alongside the leadership of Yakubu Gowon University for its cooperation.
The project is part of broader Federal Government efforts to expand access to reliable and cleaner electricity under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
With the new facility, the university is expected to rely less on diesel generators while benefiting from a combination of solar power, battery storage and grid supply.
The government said the investment would help strengthen the institution’s capacity to support teaching, research and innovation.
Students were also encouraged to take ownership of the infrastructure and promptly report any act of vandalism or damage to the power facilities.
The government said protecting the project would help ensure that the benefits of the investment are sustained for current and future students of the university.