Tinubu approves N70b solar power project for tertiary institutions

President Bola Tinubu has approved the implementation of a ₦70 billion mini-grid solar power project under the 2025 Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention cycle to tackle erratic power supply in tertiary institutions across the country.

The project, which aims to provide renewable and sustainable energy solutions, will cover 12 institutions, including the Nigerian Army University, Biu; Northwest University, Kano; Ambrose Alli University, Edo State; Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Imo State; and Lagos State University, among others.

Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the 2025 TETFund National Town Hall Meeting, describing the initiative as part of ongoing reforms to drive innovation and efficiency in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Masari commended President Tinubu for providing the policy direction that has strengthened education sector reforms through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also acknowledged the support of the Ministers of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, as well as the National Assembly Committees on TETFund.

He said the current Board has pursued a reform-driven agenda anchored on three pillars — transforming tertiary education into a driver of innovation and productivity, strengthening transparency and accountability, and expanding research, technology, and entrepreneurship.

According to him, the ₦70 billion solar power project is one of several initiatives designed to improve the quality of teaching, learning, and research while promoting energy sustainability.

Highlighting TETFund’s achievements, Masari said the Fund has sponsored 3,332 Master’s and 4,796 Ph.D. scholars locally, supported research and conference attendance, and delivered infrastructure such as lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and ICT centres nationwide.

He added that TETFund has established multipurpose zonal research laboratories and Centres of Excellence in 48 institutions, focusing on biotechnology, renewable energy, food security, governance, and health sciences.

Masari also revealed that the Fund has launched a Special High Impact Intervention in 18 medical colleges across the six geopolitical zones, deploying medical simulation facilities in eight universities including Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Maiduguri; University of Lagos; and University of Benin.

TETFund, according to Masari, has also introduced Early Grade Resource Centres in six Colleges of Education to enhance teacher training and established demonstration farms and commercial agricultural projects to boost food security.

In his remarks, TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, described the solar power initiative as a bold and strategic step toward solving the power crisis in tertiary institutions.

He said stable electricity would enhance digital learning, research, and innovation while promoting environmental sustainability through renewable energy solutions.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse; Chairperson, House Committee on TETFund, Mariam Onuoha; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris; former ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke; and Chairman, Committee of Vice-Chancellors, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, commended TETFund for its strategic interventions.

They noted that the Fund’s projects in infrastructure, research, and human capital development have significantly improved the quality of education and innovation across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide.