FG Approves ₦68.7bn to Power Universities, Hospitals, and Rural Agri-Hubs with Solar Energy

In a major step toward expanding clean energy access, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦68.7 billion for nationwide power projects aimed at improving electricity supply to universities, teaching hospitals, and rural agricultural centres across Nigeria.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced the development after Thursday’s FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. He noted that the funding aligns with the administration’s broader strategy to boost productivity in healthcare, education, and agriculture by tackling the persistent challenge of unreliable electricity.

A major portion of the funding will support the Energising Education Programme (EEP), led by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), which focuses on deploying off-grid renewable energy—primarily solar power—to selected federal universities and teaching hospitals.

The next phase of the EEP will benefit eight major institutions:

• University of Lagos (UNILAG)
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
• University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka
• University of Ibadan (UI) and University College Hospital (UCH)
• University of Calabar (UNICAL)
• Federal University, Wukari

These projects are expected to be delivered within seven to nine months, significantly reducing energy costs and improving service delivery in academic and medical institutions long plagued by poor power supply.

Adelabu highlighted past successes under the programme, including solar installations at the University of Abuja, Usmanu Danfodiyo University (8MW), Nigerian Defence Academy (2.6MW), and Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. These projects, many supported by the World Bank, have led to enhanced reliability and lower electricity costs.

Beyond education and healthcare, the second component of the approved funding will be directed toward rural electrification, with a focus on Agricultural Centres of Excellence. This initiative is designed to equip agri-businesses in underserved areas with solar-powered infrastructure and processing equipment, helping reduce post-harvest losses and improve food production.

“This initiative is not just about lighting homes. It’s about using clean energy to power productivity—especially for smallholder farmers,” Adelabu said. “We’re enabling agro-processing, reducing diesel reliance, and ensuring energy access where it matters most.”

The Minister stressed that this dual-sector investment reflects the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda—focused on sustainable development, economic inclusion, and reliable public services.

As Nigeria continues to face grid instability and rising energy costs, these off-grid renewable energy investments are seen as a practical solution to long-standing energy gaps, especially in remote or poorly connected regions.