AfDB Powers Eight Nigerian Universities with 36.5 MW Solar Hybrid Stations

At Nigeria’s Federal University in Lafia, in the north-central part of the country, a new solar hybrid project financed by the African Development Bank Group is making a difference in the lives of people by delivering reliable electricity to class rooms, laboratories, offices and other facilities. Power cuts that were once common are becoming a thing of the past.

The University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor She- hu Abdul Rahman, highlights the impact on the university’s operations: “We have battled high electricity expenses, with monthly bills reaching about N25 million ($17,000), even with unreliable supply. This intervention has allowed us to redirect resources to research and other institutional priorities, and for the past two months we have enjoyed reliable power since the project began supplying the university. Reliable electricity is essential for meaningful academic and scientific work.

Complementing the solar hybrid system is a renewable energy workshop and training centre that is equipping students with practical skills. Rahmat Abdullahi, a third-year computer science student, says: “The stable electricity has allowed me to study longer hours without interruption; it has improved my academic experience. The Science Technology Engineering and Medicine (STEM) training has also helped me apply what we learn in class more practically.”

The power plant is one of eight being built by the government across eight Nigerian federal universities, with financing from the African Development Bank Group, under Phase III of the Energising Education Programme (EEP), a component of the $200 million Nigeria Electrification Project.

In addition to the Federal Uni- versity of Lafia, the beneficiaries are University of Port Harcourt and its Teaching Hospital; Federal University Dutsin-Ma; Modibbo Adama University, Yola; Federal University Lokoja; Federal University of Technology, Akure; Federal University of Technology, Owerri; and Federal University of Uyo.

The programme will deliver a combined 36.5 megawatts of solar hybrid capacity across the eight universities – enough electricity to run eight universities and one university teaching hospital around the clock, which is comparable to powering more than 30,000 Nigerian homes annually. The plants integrate photovoltaic generation, battery storage, and backup support to enhance operational resilience.

By targeting universities – critical anchors of Nigeria’s human capital development, the programme demonstrates how strategic energy investments can catalyse impact across education, healthcare, research, and workforce readiness.

Early Operational Gains in University of Port Harcourt

During a recent inspection mission to the Federal University Lafia and the University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Chigoziri Egeruoh, Project Task Manager and Power Engineer, represented the African Development Bank’s Director General for Nigeria, Dr. Abdul Kamara, and joined Dr. Oyebode Akande of the Federal Ministry of Finance and Olufemi Akinyelure, Head of the Nigeria Electrification Programme; the team confirmed strong implementation momentum, observed early impacts on the ground, and projected full operational integration as Phase III advances

At the University of Port Har- court, the 10.77 megawatts solar hybrid installation is designed to serve both the university campus and its teaching hospital. Since the start of trial operations in December 2025, monthly electricity expenditure has declined from approximately N150 million ($103,000) to about N100 million ($69,000).

Vice Chancellor Professor Owunari Georgewill said: “Electricity supply was previously in- consistent and costly. This project has reduced our bills, improved campus security, and made the environment brighter and safer. We are committed to ensuring its long-term sustainability.”

Electricity distribution is active across the university campus, while the integration of the Teaching Hospital with the new system is progressing.