PRESS RELEASE

Energizing Education: REA Secures Universities’ Commitment to EEP Sustainability

FCT,Abuja – 20th September 2024

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The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) during the 2024 EEP Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum (SEF) organized by the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP). The three-day, high-level event brought together key stakeholders including Vice Chancellors, Chief Medical Directors, Directors of Physical Planning/Works, and Legal Officers from EEP beneficiary institutions, along with representatives from the World Bank (WB), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and other partners.

Themed “Empowering Education through Sustainable Energy: Collaborative Pathways for the Long-term Success of the Energizing Education Programme (EEP),” the forum focused on strategies for ensuring that solar hybrid power plants deployed across the EEP beneficiary universities remain sustainable, fostering educational advancement and institutional growth.

Launched by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) in 2018, the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) was designed to provide reliable power supply to 37 federal universities and 7 affiliated teaching hospitals across Nigeria. Under the three phases of the EEP, 24 federal universities and 4 teaching hospitals have already been included:

• Phase I: 9 universities and 1 teaching hospital

The university includes;

S/N	University	State	Plant Type	Capacity
	Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University & Teaching Hospital	Bauchi	Solar Hybrid	1.1MW
	Bayero University Kano	Kano	Solar Hybrid	7.1MW
	Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi	Benue	Solar Hybrid	8.3MW
	Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun	Delta	Solar Hybrid	1.1MW
	Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo	Ebonyi	Solar Hybrid	2.8MW
	Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa	Anambra	Solar Hybrid	4.4MW
	Obafemi Awolowo University and Teaching Hospital Ile-Ife	Osun	Gas	8.4MW
	University of Lagos	Lagos	Gas	8.4MW
	Usman Danfodiyo University	Sokoto	Solar Hybrid	4.4MW  8.40

• Phase II: 7 universities and 2 teaching hospitals

The Universities include:

S/N	University	State	Plant Type	Capacity
	University of Abuja	FCT	Solar Hybrid	3.0MW
	Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna	Kaduna	Solar Hybrid	2.5MW
	University of Calabar & Teaching Hospital	Cross River	Solar Hybrid	7.0MW
	Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta	Ogun	Solar Hybrid	3.0MW
	University of Maiduguri & Teaching Hospital	Borno	Solar Hybrid	12MW
	Federal University Gashua	Yobe	Solar Hybrid	1.5MW

• Phase III: 8 universities and 1 teaching hospital

The Universities are as follows:

S/N	University	State	Plant Type	Capacity
	Modibbo Adama University of Technology	Adamawa	Solar Hybrid	5.0MW
	Federal University, Dustin-Ma	Katsina	Solar Hybrid	1.9MW
	Federal University, Lafia	Nasarawa	Solar Hybrid	1.6MW
	Federal University Lokoja	Kogi	Solar Hybrid	1.7MW
	Federal University of Technology Owerri	Imo	Solar Hybrid	8.2MW
	University of Port Harcourt and Teaching Hospital	Rivers	Solar Hybrid	10.7MW
	University of Uyo	Akwa-Ibom	Solar Hybrid	2.9MW
	Federal University Akure	Ondo	Solar Hybrid	4.5MW

These institutions are being equipped with solar hybrid power plants, collectively capable of generating over 100MW of clean energy.

This forum also aims to address concerns surrounding EEP Phase I, emphasizing the need for urgent interventions to enhance the sustainability of the power plants deployed during this phase. The forum aims to clarify misconceptions about Phase I, particularly at institutions like Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Through this forum, REA has taken a substantial step to ensure the continued success and sustainability of these projects, and any future negative media reports on EEP Phase I will be viewed as unfounded, given the agency's commitment to resolving these issues.

"The challenges faced by Phase I institutions have been acknowledged, and we have deliberately started implementing measures to address them, ensuring sustainability across all phases," said Abba Abubakar Aliyu, MD/CEO of REA. "Our mission remains clear—to ensure that no institution is left behind in this transformative journey."

During the forum, the REA showcased its hands-on approach to resolving the issues faced by Phase I beneficiary institutions. Through interactive discussions and in-depth presentations, the agency provided clarity on the EEP Sustainability Model, developed with the collaboration of the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF). The Model addresses both technical and operational concerns, ensuring that the solar power plants are managed and maintained efficiently.

Speaking at the event, Olufemi Akinyelure – Head, Nigeria Electrification Programme re-emphasised the importance of the forum "This forum marks a critical turning point for the Energizing Education Programme going forward. The discussions, agreements, and key takeaways that have taken place over these three days will guide us in ensuring that we proffer solutions as quickly as possible to these beneficiary universities."

A major highlight of the forum was the signing of a Collaborative Agreement between REA-NEP and the beneficiary institutions. This agreement, which now applies to Phases I, II, and III, outlines the roles, responsibilities, and financial commitments necessary to sustain the solar power plants. The sustainability and business case models for EEP Phase I were especially emphasized to correct any previous oversights and ensure the alignment of all phases with the long-term sustainability framework.

Notably, the agreement has been revised to clarify its nature. Any binding clauses have been removed, with a clear statement that REA will not be held responsible for power plant performance if the institutions do not adhere to the sustainability framework established by REA. This ensures that the responsibility for ongoing operational success rests with the universities themselves, in close collaboration with REA.

Key Aspects of the Collaborative Agreement:

• Operationalization of EEP Projects (Phases II & III): The agreement includes comprehensive guidelines for the operationalization of power plants under Phases II and III, building on lessons learned from Phase I to ensure future success.
• Commitment to Sustainability: Beneficiary institutions must sign the collaborative agreement to confirm their commitment to REA’s Sustainability Plan, which ensures that the solar power plants remain operational and financially viable. The plan includes maintenance frameworks, financial models for cost-sharing, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Nature of the Agreement: The agreement is not optional. Institutions that choose not to sign will no longer be able to hold REA accountable for any lapses in electricity supply. This ensures that the responsibility for sustainable energy rests firmly with the universities, in collaboration with REA.
• Capacity Building and Skills Development: In addition to the sustainability plan, the agreement outlines a robust capacity-building initiative. Universities will receive training and technical support, empowering their personnel to independently manage the power plants and resolve issues as they arise.

The proactive approach taken by REA in addressing Phase I challenges was well-received by participants, with many institutions pledging to sign the agreement. This demonstrated their recognition of the vital role they play in ensuring the programme's success.

"The collaborative agreement signed today is not just a formality—it’s a commitment to our future," stated the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu ably represented by Engr. Ben Ayangeao,r "By signing this, each institution agrees to take responsibility for the sustainability of the power plants deployed on their campuses. Institutions that choose not to sign will no longer be able to place the burden of electricity challenges on REA. This is a collective responsibility, and we are in this together."

"We recognize the immense value of this partnership with REA and are fully committed to playing our role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the power plants," said Prof Ezeoha, Deputy Vice Chancellor - Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (FUNAI). "This initiative has already transformed our institution, and we are confident that the continued collaboration will drive even greater benefits for our students and staff."

At the end of the forum, 15 institutions signed the collaborative agreement, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the electricity projects deployed on their campuses with 9 more underway to be signed. Some universities were represented by officials who required authorization from their Vice Chancellors to sign on behalf of their institutions. Nevertheless, the overall sentiment was one of collective commitment to formalizing the agreement.

The 15 universities that signed the agreement are:

1. Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital
2. Modibbo Adama University
3. Federal University of Technology, Owerri
4. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
5. University of Maiduguri and Teaching Hospital
6. University of Abuja
7. University of Calabar Teaching Hospital
8. University of Lokoja
9. Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike
10. University of Uyo
11. Federal University of Technology, Akure
12. Federal University, Gashua
13. Federal University, Dustin-Ma
14. Federal University, Lafia
15. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun

Aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the expansion of alternative energy access to underserved and unserved rural communities, the REA is focused on advancing sustainable solutions that will provide reliable energy to educational institutions across Nigeria. This effort is crucial to fulfilling the national vision of enhancing energy access and driving economic and social development in rural areas.

ABOUT THE ENERGIZING EDUCATION PROGRAMME (EEP)
This is a Federal Government of Nigeria initiative tasked with developing off-grid, dedicated and independent power plants, as well as rehabilitating existing distribution infrastructure, to supply clean and reliable power to 37 Federal Universities and 7 affiliated University Teaching Hospitals. In addition, it will provide street lighting for illumination and safety, as well as a World-class Renewable Training Centre (WTC) at each of the EEP beneficiary institutions.  The programme is being developed in phases; Phase I was funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria and 7 solar hybrid sites have been commissioned. Phase II is funded by the World Bank and comprises of 7 Federal Universities and 2 Teaching Hospitals. Phase III is being funded by the African Development Bank (AFDB) in respect of 8 Federal Universities and 1 Teaching Hospital.

ABOUT REA-NEP
The Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is the Implementing Agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) under the Federal Ministry of Power, tasked with the electrification of unserved and underserved communities to catalyze economic growth and improve quality of life for Nigerians.
REA is implementing the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), an innovative programme that is private sector driven and seeks to bridge the energy access deficit by providing electricity to households, MSMEs, educational and healthcare facilities in unserved and underserved rural communities through the deployment of solar hybrid mini grids, Solar Home Systems (SHS), captive power plants and productive use equipment & appliances. The primary objective of the NEP is to connect more than 3.5 million people, 705,000 households, 90,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), 15 Federal Universities, 3 affiliated Teaching Hospitals, and 100 COVID-19 Isolation centers.

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For further inquiries, please contact:
Asmau Galadanchi
Communications Specialist
Email: asmau.galadanchi@rea.gov.ng
Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP)
Rural Electrification Agency (REA)