TheCable

The federal government has inaugurated the solar hybrid mini-grid project at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi state.

The project initiated under the Energising Education Programme (EEP) was inaugurated on Thursday to provide sustainable and clean electricity supply to the university campus.

The EEP is an initiative of the federal government to power 37 federal universities and seven university teaching hospitals across Nigeria with constant electricity and taking them off the grid.

According to the contractor, 1.12 megawatts captive power plant was delivered in conformity to international best practice and standards.

Joining the ceremony virtually, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo asked the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to fast-track the projects with speed and quality across the country.

“This is yet another milestone in the energising education programme. Renewables are the fastest growing segment of energy today and will certainly be a key economic driver in the future,” Osinbajo said.

“Indeed, Nigeria intends to have 30 per cent of its electricity supply from renewables by the year 2030. Our future workforce therefore needs to be ready for this energy transition. In this regards, the training centres constitute a critical additional benefit of this projects.

“Besides, this programme reaffirms the federal government of Nigeria’s commitment to global best practices as we transition to cleaner sources of energy in line with the Paris agreement on climate change. These projects being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) are strategic to fulfilling our commitments to the agreement as we strive to reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint.

“While commending the implementing agency, I must charge you to redouble your efforts in rolling out the programmes with speed and quality across the country.”

Agba Goddy, minister of state for power, said at the ceremony the project will improve the standard of living of the management and staff as well as the provision of quality education in a more conducive environment.

In 2019, TheCable factchecked how Mohammed Mahmood, Nigeria’s minister of environment, misled the United Nations’ Climate Action Summit at UNGA74 that seven federal universities are running strictly on solar energy.