By Our Correspondent
National News – The Federal Government has approved a N3.8 billion solar mini-grid project for the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology in Wudil, Kano State, as part of efforts to improve reliable electricity supply in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The project, expected to generate 2 megawatts of solar power, was awarded through the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology under the Federal Government’s renewable energy expansion drive.
The development was disclosed by the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, during a meeting with the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Musa Yakasai, in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to Abdullahi, the contract has already been awarded and construction work on the solar mini-grid will commence soon.
He explained that the 2MW solar mini-grid is designed to provide stable electricity for the university community, reduce dependence on conventional power sources, and promote sustainable energy solutions.
The project is expected to be completed within three months once implementation begins.
Abdullahi also revealed that the solar installation forms part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope solarisation initiative, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative aims to deploy solar infrastructure across states in Nigeria, with priority given to hospitals, tertiary institutions, and rural communities where electricity supply remains unreliable.
He noted that the push for solar projects intensified after a tragic incident at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where two patients reportedly died due to a power outage.
Following the incident, the President approved the launch of a four-megawatt solar project at the hospital to strengthen power reliability in critical health facilities.
The ECN Director-General further highlighted his previous intervention at the university, including the provision of 200 solar streetlights, which significantly improved campus security and nighttime study conditions for students.
He added that another 200 units of streetlights would soon be delivered to further enhance safety and infrastructure.
Responding, Vice-Chancellor Yakasai commended Abdullahi for supporting the institution’s development.
He said the solar power project and lighting interventions would improve learning conditions, strengthen campus security, and support research in renewable energy technologies.
Yakasai also called for stronger collaboration between the university and the Energy Commission to advance renewable energy research, training programmes, energy calculators, and the establishment of a central energy laboratory.
