The Federal Government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has commenced construction of a 1.6-megawatt peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic mini-grid at the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Ilaro, marking another step in efforts to improve energy security across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
The project, which includes a 1.5 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system, is designed to provide a stable and uninterrupted electricity supply to the institution, formerly known as the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro. By combining solar generation with battery storage, the hybrid facility is expected to reduce dependence on Nigeria’s unreliable national electricity grid while lowering the university’s long-term energy costs.
Reliable electricity remains a major challenge for higher institutions in Nigeria, where frequent power outages and rising diesel costs continue to disrupt academic activities, research programmes and administrative operations. The deployment of renewable energy infrastructure is increasingly being viewed as a sustainable solution to improve operational efficiency and reduce energy-related expenditure.
In a statement released on Monday, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of FUT Ilaro, Dr. Mukail Akinde, described the groundbreaking ceremony as a significant milestone in the institution’s development. He commended President Bola Tinubu and TETFund for supporting the project, saying the investment would strengthen the university’s transition into a modern technology-focused institution.
According to Akinde, the solar mini-grid will enhance power reliability across critical facilities, including research laboratories, digital learning centres and administrative offices, enabling uninterrupted teaching, innovation and academic research.
The project also aligns with the Federal Government’s broader strategy to promote renewable energy adoption in public institutions while improving infrastructure in the education sector. Beyond reducing operating costs, solar mini-grids are expected to improve environmental sustainability by lowering reliance on fossil fuel-powered generators and reducing carbon emissions.
Energy experts have consistently identified distributed renewable energy systems as a viable alternative for universities and other public institutions facing persistent electricity shortages. Stable power supply is considered essential for driving research output, digital transformation and technology-based learning.
Although TETFund has yet to announce a completion date for the project, the initiative is expected to strengthen the resilience of FUT Ilaro’s power infrastructure and serve as a model for similar renewable energy investments across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
