FEC approves N68.7bn for power projects in varsities, rural communities

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N68.7 billion for electricity projects in universities and rural communities across Nigeria.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this after FEC meeting, chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Adelabu said the projects reflected the government’s resolve to ensure steady electricity supply in vital sectors like health and education.

The university project involves engineering, procurement, and construction under the Energising Education Programme, led by the Rural Electrification Agency.

“This initiative aims to ease the energy cost burden on universities and hospitals by providing reliable, good-quality electricity,” Adelabu stated.

Adelabu described the current electricity situation in many institutions as “disturbing” and a threat to effective service delivery.

“The lack of stable power supply has created crisis situations in some schools and hospitals, with institutions unable to afford local electricity,” he stated.

The minister added that blackouts and occasional industrial actions have occurred due to unreliable power.

Adelabu said similar renewable energy projects have already been implemented in some institutions, supported by the World Bank.

The completed projects include the University of Abuja, University of Niger (12MW solar), and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (8MW).

Others are the Nigerian Defence Academy (2.6MW) and the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, which also uses solar power.

Adelabu said the newly approved funding will support electrification in eight additional universities and teaching hospitals nationwide.

These are University of Lagos; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Also included are University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Ibadan with its University College Hospital; and University of Calabar.

The Federal University, Wukari is also among the new beneficiaries.

Adelabu said these new projects are expected to be completed within seven to nine months.

“This is another step to ensure our universities enjoy uninterrupted electricity. Our institutions will never be the same again,” he noted.

The second project approved targets Agricultural Centres of Excellence in rural areas using solar energy technology.

“This goes beyond lighting homes; it supports productive use of solar-powered equipment in rural areas,” Adelabu said.

The minister stated that the aim is to light up rural homes and power agro-processing businesses using solar systems.