The Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, has unveiled a special intervention initiative aimed at tackling the persistent power supply challenges in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, Hon. Aminu Masari, announced the initiative on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Steering Committee on Alternative Energy Solutions for Tertiary Institutions.
Masari, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and ex-Governor of Katsina State, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to ensuring a stable power supply in higher institutions. He noted that electricity is crucial for learning and research, both of which are being undermined by erratic power supply.
“We all know that multiple factors, including rising electricity tariffs, have placed a heavy burden on these institutions,” Masari stated. “A reliable power supply is essential for research and learning, which are fundamental to students’ academic development.”
The newly formed committee, chaired by Rt. Hon. Sunday Adepoju, a member of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, has been given an initial two-month deadline to submit a preliminary report. The committee will also play a role in implementing the proposed energy solutions.
This initiative complements the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to provide electricity to tertiary institutions through the Rural Electrification Agency, REA.
Under this program, 15 federal tertiary institutions and two teaching hospitals will benefit from captive solar hybrid power plants, aimed at improving electricity access in underserved areas.
The power supply deficit has long been a major challenge for Nigerian tertiary institutions, disrupting academic activities and research. By ensuring a stable electricity supply, the initiative is expected to significantly enhance the quality of education and innovation in higher institutions.
While no specific completion date has been set for the project, the REA has already made significant progress, deploying over 67 mini-grids and nearly one million solar home systems across the country.
