Tinubu approves N70 billion solar power project in tertiary institutions

By Mariam Abeeb

President Bola Tinubu has approved the implementation of a N70 billion mini-grid solar power project under the 2025 Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention cycle to eliminate power supply challenges in tertiary institutions across the country.
This was made known by the Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari, during his welcome address at the 2025 TETFund National Town Hall Meeting, held in Abuja .
According to him, the project, which aims to provide renewable and sustainable energy solutions, will cover 12 institutions, including the Nigerian Army University, Biu; Northwest University, Kano; Ambrose Alli University, Edo State; Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Imo State; and Lagos State University, among others.
Masari commended President Tinubu for providing the policy direction that has strengthened education sector reforms through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also acknowledged the support of the Ministers of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, as well as the National Assembly Committees on TETFund.
He said the current Board has pursued a reform-driven agenda anchored on three pillars — transforming tertiary education into a driver of innovation and productivity, strengthening transparency and accountability, and expanding research, technology, and entrepreneurship.
According to him, the N70 billion solar power project is one of several initiatives designed to improve the quality of teaching, learning, and research while promoting energy sustainability.
Highlighting TETFund’s achievements, Masari said the Fund has sponsored 3,332 Master’s and 4,796 Ph.D. scholars locally, supported research and conference attendance, and delivered infrastructure such as lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and ICT centres nationwide.
He added that TETFund has established multipurpose zonal research laboratories and Centres of Excellence in 48 institutions, focusing on biotechnology, renewable energy, food security, governance, and health sciences.
Masari also revealed that the Fund has launched a Special High Impact Intervention in 18 medical colleges across the six geopolitical zones, deploying medical simulation facilities in eight universities including Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Maiduguri; University of Lagos; and University of Benin.
“These facilities will improve hands-on medical training, reduce dependence on foreign medical education, and strengthen healthcare delivery,” he said.
TETFund, according to Masari, has also introduced Early Grade Resource Centres in six Colleges of Education to enhance teacher training and established demonstration farms and commercial agricultural projects to boost food security.
In his remarks, TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, described the solar power initiative as a bold and strategic step toward solving the power crisis in tertiary institutions.
He said stable electricity would enhance digital learning, research, and innovation while promoting environmental sustainability through renewable energy solutions.