The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has lauded the Federal Government for approving N68.7 billion for the installation of solar mini-grid electricity projects in eight federal universities across the country.
UNIBEN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie (SAN), described the intervention as a timely and strategic investment in the future of higher education. He made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Benedicta Ehanire.
Omoregie said the decision by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise solar-powered infrastructure reflects a strong commitment to revitalising research and learning in public universities.
“This approval is a major step towards transforming the landscape of tertiary education in Nigeria,” he said. “By addressing the persistent challenge of unstable power supply, the President has demonstrated a clear resolve to reposition higher institutions as drivers of national development.”
The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, announced the approval on July 31 after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held in Abuja, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The beneficiary institutions in this phase include: University of Benin, University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Federal University, Dutse, and Federal University, Wukari.
The project, tagged Energising Education, is the fourth phase of the Federal Government’s initiative to provide stable and affordable electricity to public tertiary institutions through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The minister said the project is expected to be delivered within nine months.
