By Enyi Ejike-Umunnabuike Jr

In a significant initiative aimed at bolstering energy sustainability across Nigeria, the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP) implemented under the Rural electrification agency, are set to embark on oversight functions by 2025 as proposed by the two Vice Chancellors and a Chief Medical Director of a University Teaching Hospitals, on behalf of the 37 Federal Universities & 7 University Teaching Hospitals, currently being Energized under the Energizing Education
Programme {EEP}.

The Vice Chancellors of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife , Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, his counterpart at the Federal University of Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi as well as the Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Professor Ikpeme E. Ikpeme, gave this advisory suggestion as way safeguarding the critical assets of the Federal Government implemented by the Nigeria Electrification Project under the supervisory role of the Rural Electrification Agency { REA} .

This effort is primarily directed towards enhancing renewable energy infrastructure at federal universities, aligning with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the operationalization of the 2023 Nigeria Electricity Act, which underscores deregulation within the energy sector.

The announcement was made during the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum, which took place over three days in Abuja.

This forum drew together a wide array of stakeholders, including representatives from the World Bank, the African Development Bank, University Vice Chancellors, Chief Medical Directors of University Teaching Hospitals, and various legal officers. The event served as a platform for collaboration and dialogue aimed at ensuring sustainable energy practices in educational institutions across the country.

As part of the discussions, a collaborative agreement was signed between the REA, NEP, and participant institutions, reaffirming a collective commitment to ensuring that these beneficiary institutions take full responsibility for the maintenance of Solar Hybrid Power Plants, established within their domains.

This move not only seeks to address the pressing issue of energy access in educational settings but also promotes a culture of accountability and ownership among the universities involved.

The EEP initiative is particularly significant given the context of energy challenges faced by many Nigerian universities, where inconsistent energy supply has significantly hampered operational efficiency and academic activities.

The forum specifically focused on reviewing the progress of renewable energy plants that are currently functional in 37 Federal Universities and seven University Teaching Hospitals. Additionally, discussions were held regarding eight more universities that are in the advanced stages of implementing their solar mini-grid plants.

The event was expected to include 24 university Vice Chancellors, as signatories to the collaborative agreement; however, it ultimately accommodated 15 universities due to logistical challenges. Nine additional institutions, are set to complete their signing process later, post the resolution of administrative issues as determined by the REA-NEP leaders.

Throughout the forum, several high points emerged that are pivotal for the success of the EEP. One distinct feature was the creative and rewarding dialogue surrounding the core concepts of sustainability, operationalization and maintenance of existing projects.

The previous phase of the Energizing Education Programme, had been announced in 2018, initiated by the Federal Government, and began full implementation in 2021. The discussions thus provided an opportunity to not only review past efforts but also to strategize for future developments.

One significant takeaway from the forum was the recognition of the unique energy needs of each participating institution. Despite being part of a broader energy program, it became evident that no two universities or teaching hospitals, shared identical energy requirements.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Abubakar Abba Aliyu, who spoke at the event emphasised on the challenges that lies ahead of such a project, but ascertained the success that awaits.

“The challenges faced by the first phase of the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) institutions, of higher learning, have been acknowledged and we have deliberately started implementing measures to address them. We are also ensuring that there is sustainability across all the phases, Our mission remains clear. This is to ensure that no institution is left behind in the transformative journey.” he said.

Furthermore, the forum’s discussions emphasized the critical role of institutional collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges. By bringing together various stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including funding agencies, educational leaders, and technical experts, the forum effectively created an environment conducive to innovative problem-solving.

The collective expertise represented at the event is instrumental in paving the way for sustainable energy practices and ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of renewable energy projects in educational settings.

In addition to addressing technical energy needs, the forum also underscored the socio-economic implications of sustainable energy solutions in universities. Reliable energy access not only facilitates academic activities but also enhances the overall quality of life for students and staff. It can foster an environment conducive to learning, research, and innovation, ultimately contributing to the development of human capital, which is vital for Nigeria’s economic growth.

The partnership between REA, NEP, and the beneficiary universities, reflects a broader commitment to fostering sustainable development in Nigeria through renewable energy. As the country grapples with energy insecurity and the pressing need to diversify its energy sources, initiatives like the Energizing Education Programme serve as crucial steps towards creating a more resilient energy landscape.

Looking ahead, the successful implementation of the collaborative agreement will depend on several factors. Key among these will be the establishment of robust frameworks for monitoring and evaluation to assess the performance and maintenance of the solar power plants. By instituting clear guidelines and accountability measures, the REA and NEP can ensure that beneficiary institutions adhere to their commitments, which is vital for achieving long-term sustainability.

Moreover, ongoing training and capacity-building initiatives will be fundamental in empowering university staff to manage and maintain the solar power systems effectively. By investing in human capital, the REA and NEP can foster a culture of expertise and sustainability within the academic sector, thereby ensuring that renewable energy solutions are not only implemented but also effectively utilized and maintained.

The upcoming phases of the Energizing Education Programme are also expected to factor in lessons learned from the current implementation, allowing for a continuous improvement loop that enhances the program’s effectiveness. With ongoing monitoring and engagement from all stakeholders, the REA and NEP can refine their strategies, ensuring that they remain responsive to the evolving energy needs of Nigerian federal universities.

These much were the the core recommendations by the Vice Chancellors of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife and Federal University of Lokoja, Professors Bamire and Akinwumi, including the Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Prof Ikpeme E. Ikpeme, who are proposing that official oversight functions, to be spear-headed by REA-NEP, be initiated by within the first quarter of 2025.

According to these highly cerebral eminent scholars and celebrated University administrators, the proposed project sites oversight functions, across the 37 Federal Universities & 7 University Teaching Hospitals, spread across the six geographical zones, would provide a cogent and verifiable benchmark for measuring the development administration index of the multi-billion dollar capital projects, funded by World Bank, African Development Bank and allied international financial institutions and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Attribution :The author of this piece, Enyi Ejike-Umunnabuike, is on the staff of THE COSMOPOLITAN Nigeria Daily Online Newspaper, a subsidiary of THE CISMOPOLITAN Nigeria NEWSPAPERS & TELEVISION LIMITED.