The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved a ₦70 billion intervention project to address persistent power shortages in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education through the deployment of solar energy solutions.
Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, announced the initiative on Wednesday during the 2025 TETFund National Town Hall Meeting in Abuja.
Masari said the newly introduced Mini-Grid Solar Power Project would provide reliable, renewable, and affordable electricity to 18 tertiary institutions across the country. He described the initiative as a deliberate step towards ensuring energy sustainability and improving the quality of teaching, research, and innovation.
“This project is a deliberate step towards energy sustainability, innovation, and academic excellence,” Masari stated. “Stable electricity remains the foundation for effective teaching, research, and technological growth.”
He explained that the investment would help institutions overcome dependence on the national grid and reduce energy costs, thereby freeing up resources for academic development.
Masari highlighted that TETFund’s current strategy is anchored on transforming tertiary education into a centre of innovation and productivity, strengthening transparency and impact assessment, and advancing research, technology, and entrepreneurship.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the policy framework through the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is repositioning TETFund as a catalyst for national development driven by knowledge and innovation.
The TETFund chairman also outlined some of the Fund’s achievements, including the construction of lecture theatres, laboratories, ICT resource centres, libraries, and hostels across campuses nationwide. He further revealed that TETFund has established 48 Centres of Excellence and multipurpose research laboratories focusing on renewable energy, biotechnology, food security, governance, and health sciences.
On medical education, Masari said the Fund had launched simulation facilities in eight universities, the first of their kind in Nigeria to enhance hands-on clinical training. He also noted that TETFund’s agricultural projects and innovation hubs were fostering entrepreneurship and practical learning among students.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, said the ₦70 billion solar project was part of a broader effort to build self-sustaining, energy-secure campuses nationwide.
Echono disclosed that President Tinubu had mobilised over ₦200 billion in additional funding from alternative sources to complement TETFund’s investment, ensuring stable power across tertiary institutions.
“Mr. President is personally committed to ending the power crisis in our tertiary institutions. We are building self-sustaining, energy-secure campuses for the future,” Echono said.
He commended the president for safeguarding the education tax rate at 3 per cent and for approving several student welfare initiatives, including the construction of 24 Renewed Hope Hostels, with 72 more planned for next year.
Echono added that TETFund would introduce electric vehicle transport systems on campuses before the end of the year to improve student mobility and reduce transport costs.
“President Tinubu believes every Nigerian student deserves to learn and live in dignity. He insists that no child should be denied education because of poverty, a commitment reflected in the new National Student Loan Scheme,” he said.
