Governor Babagana Umaru Zulum of Borno State has reaffirmed the state’s dedication to sustainable energy development, aiming to provide reliable electricity to its residents.
This commitment was highlighted during a recent visit by a high-level delegation from the Rural Electrification Agency and the World Bank to Maiduguri, the state’s capital. Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, Governor Zulum expressed gratitude for the prioritization of project sites in Borno State.
Governor Zulum underscored the significant impact of renewable energy on communities previously without electricity access, noting how it has alleviated hardship. Kadafur mentioned that the Energizing Education Program aligns with the state’s goals for sustainable energy development and reliable electricity supply.
He detailed the state’s policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, increasing energy access in underserved areas, and fostering economic growth through innovative energy solutions. He assured the delegation that the state government would prioritize the security of these projects and called for adequate safeguards. Kadafur also praised REA’s Managing Director/CEO, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, and stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration between the World Bank and REA.
The REA boss, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, emphasized the importance of providing electricity to tertiary institutions. He noted that the second phase of the project, funded by the World Bank, aims to deliver 12MW of power, benefiting 350,000 students and over 50,000 staff, including non-academic personnel. He highlighted the near completion of Phase II, which includes seven universities and two teaching hospitals.
Ashish Khanna, the World Bank Practice Manager for West Africa, reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to the Energizing Education Programme and Nigeria’s electrification efforts. He emphasized the project’s role in skill-building, job creation, and fostering innovation among students, particularly female STEM students. Khanna stated that due to their confidence in REA’s project implementation, the World Bank is providing an additional $750 million for the second phase of the program, known as the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up.
Olufemi Akinyelure, head of the Nigeria Electrification Project, remarked, “Our mission is to create a sustainable future for Nigeria’s educational institutions. The EEP Phase II underscores our dedication to leveraging renewable energy solutions to drive academic excellence and gender inclusion in STEM fields.”
The Energizing Education Programme is a Federal Government initiative implemented by REA to deliver dedicated captive solar hybrid power systems to 37 federal universities and seven university teaching hospitals nationwide. Phase I of the EEP has already been implemented. Phase II, funded by the World Bank and nearing completion, will extend these benefits to additional institutions. This phase includes providing solar hybrid power systems to seven federal universities, namely: University of Calabar & Teaching Hospital; University of Abuja; Nigerian Defence Academy; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State; and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
Other beneficiaries include Federal University Gashua, Yobe; University of Maiduguri, Borno State; and two associated university teaching hospitals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This phase also encompasses the installation of streetlights for improved security, the construction of a world-class renewable energy workshop and training center, and the upgrade of existing distribution infrastructure.
