Nigerian tertiary institutions are grappling with energy crisis, which has hampered academic and administrative activities over the years. The persistent power outages and inadequate energy supply have become a recurring challenge, affecting the overall productivity and efficiency of the institutions.

  In fact, it has far-reaching implications as it obstructs not only the academic calendar but also research and innovation. Laboratories, libraries and other facilities essential for academic pursuits are often rendered inaccessible or ineffective due to lack of reliable power supply.

   To mitigate this challenge as well as reduce the soaring energy costs, a high-powered Steering Committee on Alternative Energy Solutions by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has recommended the adoption of a hybrid system that combines solar power, battery storage, grid integration and gas-powered backup.

   The recommendation followed a countrywide energy audit and technical assessment conducted in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), covering universities, polytechnics and Colleges of Education.

   Presenting the report before the TETFund Board of Trustees in Abuja, the Chairman of the Steering Committee on Alternative Energy Solutions Initiative, Hon. Sunday Adepoju, said the conventional grid power remained unreliable and cost-ineffective while diesel generators are no longer sustainable for long-term use.

   “Institutional energy demands must be met through resilient and cost-efficient solutions. Gas-fired generators offer cleaner backup where natural gas is available, while diesel units should be phased out or retrofitted for cleaner alternatives,” he said.

   The committee was inaugurated on March 12, 2025, by the Chairman, TETFund Board of Trustees, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, in response to the alarming rise in power costs across tertiary institutions, with a clear mandate to explore and implement sustainable alternative energy solutions.

  The committee was tasked with assessing existing energy consumption and gaps in tertiary institutions, identifying scalable, eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives.

Other terms of reference include evaluating institution-specific proposals, recommending appropriate plant sizing and technologies and proposing policies to promote long-term adoption of clean energy.

   The committee comprised energy experts, engineers, architects and regulatory officials from key education and power sector agencies, including representatives of the Federal Ministries of Power and Education, Energy Commission of Nigeria (REA), National Universities Commission, NBTE, NCCE and the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

   Between April 13 and 17 2025, the committee conducted comprehensive site visits to alternative energy installations across the country, including solar plants at the University of Abuja, Bayero University Kano and Michael Okpara University, Abia State.

   Gas Power Facilities at Greenfield Industries’ LNG Plant at Julius Berger, CNG plant at NFPC as well as hybrid projects in University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Lagos State University, University of Lagos and Abia State University were also visited.

   Institutions selected for the pilot phase of the project include, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai; Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa; Nigerian Army University, Biu; Federal Polytechnic, Mubi; Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano and Federal Polytechnic, Daura (North-West).

   Others are, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri; Federal Polytechnic, Oko; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny. Meanwhile, Lagos State University and Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro were selected for the South-West zone.

   Adekoju explained that to pilot the initiative, institutions were selected based on geographical representation, student population, infrastructure readiness and absence from REA’s existing Electrified Education Programme.

   According to him, following the audit, the committee reached the conclusion that hybrid energy systems, comprising solar PV, battery storage, grid and gas-powered backup, present the most resilient and scalable option for Nigerian tertiary institutions.

   Other key recommendations include adoption of region-specific hybrid systems with configurations tailored to local solar irradiation levels. The Committee also recommended that institutions prioritise critical loads such as hospitals, ICT centres and laboratories for solar and gas power integration.

   They consequently called on the institutions to phase out diesel generators, replacing or retrofitting 80 per cent of them with gas-powered units.  They were also mandated to integrate solar, battery, grid and gas systems for seamless power supply during outages and scale systems to accommodate future institutional growth and changing energy needs.

   A detailed implementation framework was also submitted by the committee, including estimated plant capacities and cost projections per institution as contained in its Executive Summary.

   Earlier, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, commended the committee for its tireless efforts and exceptional technical expertise. He acknowledged its dedication to finding innovative solutions, highlighting its patriotic commitment to advancing Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

    He noted that the committee’s recommendations will provide a much-needed respite to the institutions, enabling them to allocate resources more efficiently.

   He therefore appreciated the committee’s work in identifying cost-effective solutions to mitigate this challenge, stressing that hybrid energy solutions will not only reduce energy costs but also enhance the overall learning experience for students.

  Echono further highlighted the importance of sustainable energy in promoting academic excellence and innovation that will position tertiary institutions for greater success and competitiveness on the global stage.