The Federal Government has approved contracts worth ₦68.7 billion for major electricity projects aimed at improving power supply to universities, teaching hospitals, and rural communities involved in agriculture across Nigeria.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed the development to journalists after this week’s Federal Executive Council meeting, which was presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
According to the minister, the projects are part of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, with a focus on reducing the burden of electricity costs on public institutions and rural enterprises.
“This administration is committed to transforming the power sector, especially by ensuring uninterrupted electricity for our universities, teaching hospitals and rural businesses,” Adelabu said.
Under the Energising Education Programme, the government has awarded engineering, procurement, and construction contracts to deliver renewable power systems to eight institutions: University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Ibadan and University College Hospital, University of Calabar, and Federal University Wukari.
“These institutions have long struggled with erratic power supply. Some have even experienced blackouts that disrupted learning and medical services,” Adelabu stated.
He noted that similar projects, supported by the World Bank, have already been completed at universities including the University of Abuja, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, and the Nigerian Defence Academy.
The newly approved contracts are expected to be completed within seven to nine months and will help address what Adelabu described as a “crisis level” of power challenges in tertiary institutions.
“Our universities will never be the same again. This is how we restore confidence in public education and healthcare,” he said.
In addition to the campus-based projects, the government also approved a second contract that will provide solar infrastructure to rural communities under the “Agricultural Centres of Excellence” initiative managed by the Rural Electrification Agency.
“This project is not just about lighting homes. It includes powering agricultural equipment and rural enterprises involved in food processing,” Adelabu explained.
He said the rural electrification programme will directly support micro and small businesses that process agricultural produce in underserved areas. The solar-powered systems are expected to be delivered within three months.
“Through this effort, we are enabling rural Nigerians not just to live better, but to work better. When rural communities are productive, the entire nation benefits,” the minister added.
The total project value of ₦68.7 billion includes VAT and is part of the government’s broader plan to decentralize and strengthen energy supply across sectors critical to national development.
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