FG Energizes Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi with Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid

Under the Federal Government’s Energizing Education Programme (EEP), the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM) in Benue state was energized with a 8.25MW Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid to serve a combined population of over 17, 000 students & staff members.

The Phase 1 of the Energizing Education Programme (7 Solar Hybrid Projects) is being funded from the Green Bond issued by the Federal government. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) commissioned 3 of these EEP projects, fully functional, while 4 is underway.

A pivotal component of all EEP projects is the training centre delivered alongside the solar hybrid mini-grids deployed in beneficiary institutions. With world-class tools and learning modules on renewable energy, these centres help to deepen the knowledge of Female STEM Interns.

To mitigate against insecurity on campus while ensuring a well-lit learning environment, while EnergizingFUAM  we deployed a total of 470 energy-efficient streetlights across the university campus.

The MD/CEO of REA, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo; Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund (REF); Executive Director, Corporate Services, Olaniyi Netufo; Head, Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), Anita Otubu, and other members of the REA team received by the VC and Pro-Chancellor.

Distinguished Senator Gabriel Suswan, Chairman Senate Committee on Power expressed his delight while explaining that The 9th

Assembly aligns with the project and is committed to continue to provide any and every necessary support.

Benue state will remain relentless towards supporting this initiative and all other electrification projects across the state to ensure greater success and sustainability of the Federal Government’s electrification drive, both on and off-grid – H.E, Benue State Gov, Samuel Ortom.

Anita Otubu, Head, PMU, Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) thanked theFederal Ministry of Environment who facilitated the Sovereign Green Bond in a bid to promote clean energy initiatives. This was instrumental towards funding the Energizing Education Programme Phase 1.

On behalf of the REA, Mrs. Otubu also thanked the Federal Ministry of Education, as well as the Management of the  National Universities Commission, for their readiness and support in facilitating engagements with the universities, and as well as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, for the captive license granted to all EEP beneficiary institutions.