Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Rural Electrification Agency, REA, says it has successfully installed 32 megawatts of clean, sustainable energy across eight universities in Nigeria under the African Development Bank, AfDB-funded Energizing Education Programme, EEP, phase III.
As part of the initiative, the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, is currently benefiting from the construction of a 1.9MW hybrid mini-grid.
Mr. Abba Aliyu, Managing Director ot REA, said the project, which is still ongoing, is expected to provide uninterrupted electricity for academic and research activities, significantly enhancing the learning environment.
In addition to the mini-grid, Aliyu the university will host a Renewable Energy Training Centre, designed to develop a skilled workforce for Nigeria’s growing clean energy sector.
“This state-of-the-art mini-grid is more than just an energy project—it represents a transformational leap in sustainable power for education.”
He further emphasized the impact of the initiative, stating, “So far, we have successfully completed mini-grids in seven universities, adding a total of 32MW of clean, sustainable, and reliable energy to the grid. These projects are revolutionizing higher education institutions, ensuring that students and researchers have uninterrupted electricity to enhance learning, innovation, and productivity.
“Beyond education, REA is also expanding its interventions to the agricultural sector, recognizing the critical role of electricity in food production and security. On January 31, 2025, the agency signed agreements with 23 Renewable Energy Service Companies, RESCOs, to deploy mini-grids in 23 agricultural hubs across Nigeria.”
According to Aliyu, these mini-grids will play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural production by providing reliable power for processing and storage.
He explained that they will also reduce post-harvest losses, ensuring that farmers maximize the value of their produce while strengthening food security by integrating energy access into the entire agricultural value chain.
“With each project, we reinforce our commitment to delivering clean, affordable, and sustainable electricity across Nigeria. From education to agriculture and beyond, the REA will continue to implement these critical interventions until we achieve universal energy access and food security for all.”
