The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, has announced that three teaching hospitals have received substantial solar power interventions to help mitigate rising energy costs.
He further disclosed that 20 Federal Universities have also benefited from these interventions.
Aliyu made this revelation while hosting the Committee of Chairmen of Governing Councils of Federal Polytechnics, led by Senator Barnabas Gemade, during a courtesy visit. The discussion centered on the urgent need for solar power solutions in federal polytechnics.
A statement from the agency on Sunday highlighted that the meeting focused on accelerating the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI), aimed at providing clean and reliable energy to public institutions, including polytechnics. The discussion underscored the importance of sustainable energy solutions in enhancing technical education and fostering economic growth.
Representing all 36 federal polytechnics in Nigeria, the committee chairman emphasized the need to electrify these institutions, particularly those still without access to the national grid.
Many teaching hospitals have raised concerns over the soaring cost of electricity, following their classification under Band A, which guarantees 20 hours of power supply daily. The new electricity tariffs have significantly impacted essential services in tertiary and private hospitals, making it increasingly difficult for them to manage operational costs.
In response to these challenges, the Federal Government approved a 50% subsidy on electricity consumption for public hospitals in August 2024. However, six months later, PUNCH Healthwise reported delays in implementing the policy, leaving many hospitals struggling with power shortages and limiting patient access to quality healthcare.
During the meeting, the REA Managing Director reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to expanding sustainable energy access across educational institutions. He highlighted the success of the Energising Education Programme (EEP), which has deployed solar hybrid power plants to 20 Federal Universities and three affiliated Teaching Hospitals, significantly improving learning environments and fostering innovation.
“The EEP, currently in its third phase, is delivering clean energy solutions that enhance educational infrastructure and support research and development,” Aliyu stated.
The discussions also explored opportunities for skills development and capacity building in the renewable energy sector. The committee sought REA’s collaboration in establishing world-class training centers within polytechnics, equipping students with hands-on expertise in solar technology, installation, and maintenance. These initiatives aim to enhance employability and contribute to Nigeria’s transition to a green economy.
Aliyu assured the delegation of REA’s commitment to partnering with polytechnics in advancing renewable energy adoption. He emphasized that initiatives like the NPSSI align with the Federal Government’s vision for energy security, economic empowerment, and sustainability.
Both REA and the Committee of Chairmen Governing Councils of Federal Polytechnics pledged to work together to drive impactful solar energy interventions that will enhance education and economic growth across Nigeria.
