The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo A. Adelabu, has paid an official visit to the University of Maiduguri to inspect the ongoing 12KVA-capacity solar project under the Rural Electrification Agency’s (REA) Energising Education Programme (EEP), an initiative of the Federal Government.
The solar energy project, designed to serve both the University of Maiduguri and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), is at an advanced stage of completion, ahead of its official commission The minister conducted the inspection on Wednesday, 28 May 2025.
Speaking shortly after the inspection, Chief Adelabu expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and the pace of progress on site.
“The government is conscious of the energy cost burden on its institutions. As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, efforts are being made to ensure all educational and healthcare institutions are adequately powered,” the minister stated.
Chief Adelabu emphasized that the project aligns with the Ministry’s commitment to the United Nations’ climate change regulations, noting that the initiative is emissions-free and supports Nigeria’s transition to clean energy.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to providing sustainable electricity to over 35 institutions across the country through the Energising Education Programme. “The first phase has been completed; this project is part of the second phase, and preparations for the third phase are already underway,” he added.
Representing the Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Professor Yakubu Muktar expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for including the university in this critical intervention. He described the project as transformative, significantly enhancing teaching, learning, and research.
Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Professor Ahmed Ahijo, commended the Federal Government for extending the solar project to the hospital. He described it as a “life-touching” initiative that not only powers the hospital but also directly benefits patients and improves healthcare delivery.
Professor Ahijo noted that the project currently meets 50% of the hospital’s daytime electricity needs, resulting in improved productivity and more efficient service delivery. He appealed to the government to enhance the system’s storage capacity to enable round-the-clock power supply.
On behalf of the Rural Electrification Agency, the Project Engineer, Engr. Joro Salau appreciated the cooperation and support received from both institutions and assured stakeholders of efficient and reliable service delivery upon project completion.
