A large-scale solar hybrid program funded by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is transforming power access for eight federal universities in Nigeria, providing reliable electricity, reducing utility costs, and enhancing research, healthcare and technical training.
Power outages that once disrupted classes and lab activities are fast becoming a thing of the past at the Federal University of Lafia in north-central Nigeria.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman said: “We have been battling high electricity bills. Even with unreliable supply, monthly bills amount to about 25 million pounds (about $17,000).” “This intervention has allowed us to redirect resources to research and other organizational priorities. Reliable power is essential to meaningful academic and scientific research.”
36.5 megawatts across eight universities
The Lafia facility is part of Phase III of Nigeria’s Energizing Education Program (EEP), which is part of the $200 million Nigeria Electrification Project.
Under Phase III, AfDB is funding solar hybrid power plants across eight federal universities:
Lafia Federal University
University of Port Harcourt (including teaching hospital)
Datsingma Federal University
Modibo Adama University, Yola
Federal University Lokoja
Federal University of Technology, Akure
Federal University of Technology Owerri
Federal University of Uyo
Together, these projects will provide 36.5 megawatts of solar hybrid generation capacity. This is enough to power eight universities and one teaching hospital 24 hours a day, and the equivalent of powering more than 30,000 Nigerian homes annually.
The system integrates solar panels, battery storage, and backup support to ensure operational resiliency and reduce dependence on diesel generators.
Immediate financial and operational benefits
At the University of Port Harcourt, the 10.77 MW facility began trial operations in December 2025. Since then, monthly electricity bills have fallen from about 150 million pounds ($103,000) to about 100 million pounds ($69,000).
Vice-Chancellor Professor Ounari Georgewill pointed to improvements beyond cost reduction.
“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,” he said.
Consolidation of the university’s teaching hospitals is underway and power distribution is already underway across the campus.
Chief Medical Director Professor Chitulu Oluluwene emphasized the importance of reliable power for healthcare delivery, saying, “Our core mission is service, research and training and we cannot function effectively without reliable power.”
Skills development and STEM training
Beyond infrastructure, the program includes renewable energy workshops and training centers designed to build Nigeria’s clean energy workforce.
At Lafia, students acquire practical technical skills related to renewable energy systems. Rahmat Abdullahi, a third-year computer science student, said his academic performance has improved thanks to reliable electricity.
“The stable electricity allowed me to study for long periods of time without interruption, and the STEM training allowed me to apply what I learned in class more practically,” she said.
Approximately 160 female STEM students are receiving dedicated practical training under Phase III, and hundreds more are gaining technical knowledge through the Renewable Energy Center.
Broad national impact
Phase III is expected to benefit more than 180,000 students and staff across eight institutions. It also:
More than 5,300 smart meters installed
Deploy over 2,500 solar-powered street lights
Significant reduction in diesel consumption and associated emissions
By targeting universities, a central pillar of Nigeria’s human capital development, the program directly links energy access to the quality of education, health services, research capacity and workforce preparation.
Powerful multi-partner collaboration
The Energizing Education Program reflects a phased, multi-partner approach.
Phase I was funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria
Phase II is supported by the World Bank
Phase III funded by African Development Bank Group
This initiative will contribute to Mission 300, a joint effort between AfDB and the World Bank to provide electricity access to an additional 300 million people in Africa by 2030.
During recent inspection missions to Lafia and Port Harcourt, AfDB and Nigerian government officials confirmed strong implementation progress and early operational benefits, and said full integration is expected as Phase III progresses.
By combining clean energy infrastructure with skills development and institutional strengthening, this program demonstrates how targeted energy investments can drive systemic impact across education, health, and economic growth.
