The Federal Government of Nigeria on Tuesday commissioned the largest off-grid solar hybrid power plant in Africa at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) under the Energizing Education Programme (EEP). As a result, over 55,000 students and 3,000 staff will now have access to electricity supply from the university’s 7.1MW solar hybrid power plant.
Under implementation by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) is a federal government intervention focused on developing off-grid dedicated independent power plants, rehabilitating existing distribution infrastructure to supply clean, safe and reliable power to 37 federal universities and 7 affiliated university teaching hospitals.
“This is the largest off-grid solar hybrid power plant in Africa, one we, as Nigerians, should be very proud of, thanks to commitment of the Federal Government towards sustainable energy and education. Students and staff of Bayero University, Kano can now experience learning and teaching in a safer, cleaner and more conducive academic environment.”
Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency
The Bayero University commissioning included the launch of 11.41KM of solar powered street lights as well as a world class renewables training centre. The university’s new power plant is the second project to be commissioned under Phase 1 of the Energizing Education Programme that will deliver clean and sustainable energy to nine federal universities and one university teaching hospital in the next 4 years, using solar hybrid and/or gas-fired captive power plants.
“The state-of-the-art solar hybrid power plant will result in carbon dioxide savings of 108,875,120Ibs, a feat we as green contractors are proud of.”
Mr. Evangelos Kamaris, Managing Director, METKA West Africa Limited, the EPC contractors for the project
A major highlight of the event was the graduation of 20 female students who participated in the Female STEM Students Internship Programme. The female students, who received practical training during the course of the project construction were awarded certificates of completion.
“Under the EEP, students will be responsible for the project’s sustainability thanks to the technical and practical training our students received through construction.”
Professor Muhammad Yahuza Bello, BUK Vice Chancellor,
“The Ministry’s power policy specifically targets education to ensure that all federal universities, to begin with, have access to reliable electricity. Notably, the Energizing Education Programme was designed to involve students from project inception for project sustainability.”
Engr. Sale Mamman, Nigerian Minister of Power.
In his speech, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON noted that the Programme aligns to the Administration’s Next Level Roadmap and upholds the Federal Government’s adherence to global best practice in the provision of cleaner sources of energy.
“The Energizing Education Programme is strategic to fulfilling Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change as we aim to reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint using renewable energy technologies, in line with the Federal Government’s mandate and unwavering efforts to increase renewable energy.”
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
