Nigeria  launches  Solarisation Plan , Intensifies Push On Solar Minigrids

The Nigerian Government has intensified its push to eliminate energy deficiency in tertiary institutions with the groundbreaking on a 2-Megawatt Solar Minigrid (first of the 3-phase 7MW solar power project) in the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, ADUST, Wudil, Kano State. The project, driven under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Solarisation Project signals a shift from policy declarations to large-scale infrastructure delivery in the education sector.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, stated that the initiative is a strategic intervention to reposition Nigerian universities for global competitiveness. He stressed that institutions dedicated to science and technology cannot function optimally without stable and modern energy systems.

The Minister explained that the project is a fully integrated energy solution comprising solar generation, battery storage, smart distribution networks, and a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, SCADA, system for real-time monitoring and efficiency. He added that the initiative also prioritizes capacity building within the university to ensure long-term sustainability.

Dr. Udeh noted that the ADUST project is the third major solarisation intervention in Kano State, following similar projects at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Bayero University Kano, reflecting a deliberate and coordinated implementation strategy by the Federal Government. He emphasized that each project reinforces the administration’s commitment to measurable progress and infrastructure expansion.

Dr. Kingsley also commended the Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi for deploying technical diligence by conducting rigorous energy audits and ensuring transparent procurement process. The project is valued at approximately ₦3.79 billion. Renewableenergy solutions

The event drew key stakeholders from government, academia, and the energy sector, marking another milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable development driven by science, technology, and innovation.