A fourth university in Nigeria now has access to reliable, sustainable energy through the government’s Energising Education programme (EEP).

This follows the commissioning by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of a 1.12 MW captive solar hybrid power plant at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in the state of Bauchi.

According to the REA, the programme aims eventually to reach 37 universites and seven teaching hospitals. It lists the other three completed projects as a 2.8 MW solar hybrid plant at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, in Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi state; a 7.1 MW solar hybrid plant at Bayero University, Kano State; and an 8.25 MW solar hybrid plant at the Federal University of Agriculture, in Makurdi, Benue state.

Nigerian Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo said at the commissioning that ‘apart from providing a reliable source of captive power for these institutions, each institution will have a renewable energy workshop and a training centre to provide training for students on renewable energy’.

He added that the programme also included upgrading street lighting on campuses and on-the-job training for female students undergoing STEM courses, with training focusing on the design and installation of project components.

23 February 2021
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