The Federal Government of Nigeria commissioned a three-megawatt hybrid mini-grid project and a Renewable Energy Workshop and Training Centre at Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja) on Wednesday.

The project was commissioned under Phase 2 of the Energising Education Programme (EEP), which encompasses seven universities and two teaching hospitals, including institutions in Maiduguri and Calabar. The initiative is currently in the implementation stage of Phase 3.

The Yakubu Gowon University installation features a 3.3 MWp solar array with 3MW of AC output capacity and 2 MWh of battery storage to support critical loads after solar hours. It also includes a dedicated grid connection to serve non-critical demand outside daylight periods.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, praised the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Board, led by Ayodele Fayose, and its management, headed by Abba Abubakar Aliyu, for their leadership in driving sustained investments to improve Nigerians’ lives.

The minister commended the project, noting that it will benefit 58,726 students and that its 388 streetlights will enhance campus illumination and security.

He further observed that electrifying the university will strengthen research, reduce reliance on diesel generators, and ease pressure on institutional budgets.

“This connection between infrastructure and human capability is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Under his leadership, investment in electricity is being directed towards services and productive activities that improve people’s lives.”

“This sustained investment is a testament to this administration’s constancy of purpose. Continuing a national programme through successive phases, bringing projects to completion, and preparing the next phase reflects the discipline that development requires. For the young people who depend on these institutions, that continuity matters. It means that the commitment to their future remains active beyond any single project or ceremony,” he said.

Addressing the sustainability of the facility, the Minister urged students to take ownership of the infrastructure and report any acts of vandalism.

He also disclosed that the government is establishing a national call centre to receive and resolve electricity complaints nationwide.

“The promise of this investment now places a responsibility on all of us to preserve it. I expect the student community to support our ongoing efforts to stem the tide of vandalism. I therefore charge all of you to report any such act whenever you see it, not just on this solar system, but on other power assets such as transformers and transmission towers.”

“My office is working on a call centre where electricity complaints across the country can be lodged and resolved. This initiative will provide sustainable job opportunities for our youth nationwide. In addition, we plan to provide a dedicated channel where vandalism of critical assets can be reported for immediate action and remediation. We are also working through a joint team of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the EFCC to curb the vandalism of electricity assets across the country,” the Minister added.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of the REA, Abba Aliyu, stated that the true value of the EEP lies not merely in megawatts but in functional laboratories, reduced budgetary pressure, and safer learning environments.

He charged the University governing council to ensure the project remains productive and beneficial to the University community long after the commissioning.

“Over the years, the EEP has taught us that when you build, you have to think about what happens five years from now and whether the investment will continue to create value into the future.”

“The Renewable Asset Management Company (RAMCO) is our solution. We must now become rigorous about asking how we protect and preserve the value of what we have built. RAMCO addresses this sustainability challenge. It recognises that building and managing infrastructure are two distinct responsibilities, and that modern renewable energy is decentralised. The Federal Government has created a platform to manage, monitor, maintain and optimise assets over time. RAMCO cannot survive alone; it requires the support of all stakeholders in shared stewardship. The ultimate value of this project will depend not only on what we have installed, but on how well it is sustained,” the REA MD said.

Mr Aliyu added that beyond the mini-grid, the agency established a Renewable Energy Workshop and Training Centre (WTC) to build local technical capacity.

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He encouraged the university to turn the facility into a research hub for distributed energy resources, challenging the institution to pioneer new academic courses, drive technological innovation, and push the technical boundaries of the installation.

He also revealed that the EEP has so far delivered over 100MW of power across 22 federal institutions and university teaching hospitals, while thanking the Minister for his continuous support in ensuring energy investments deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Akinwunmi Fawehinmi, emphasised that the institution cannot effectively teach, conduct research, or provide a conducive learning environment without reliable electricity.

He praised the Federal Government for its coordinated intervention, stating that the project directly addresses the university’s energy needs, and pledged that the management will ensure the facility is fully utilised and meticulously maintained.

Commending the REA leadership, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Enyinnaya Abaribe, hailed Abba Aliyu for the project, noting that it is critical to improving the quality of education nationwide.

He also applauded the establishment of RAMCO, stating that sustainability is key to ensuring that projects continue to benefit Nigerians long after commissioning.