The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has certified the 3.3-megawatt solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly University of Abuja. This followed an inspection, testing and assessment of the facility to ensure compliance with technical standards, regulations and safety requirements. The project was implemented under the Federal Government’s Energising Education Programme (EEP).
The project was commissioned by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the World Bank and other stakeholders. NEMSA's certification is in line with its statutory responsibility to enforce technical standards and regulations in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). The agency is responsible for inspecting, testing and certifying electrical installations, electricity meters and instruments.
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, described the project as a significant investment in educational infrastructure. He stressed that reliable electricity is essential for teaching, learning, research and innovation. The project aims to provide a stable power supply to the university, supporting its growing academic and residential community. The certification by NEMSA ensures that the facility meets the required standards for safe operation.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the project is another milestone in the implementation of the EEP. He noted that EEP projects in educational institutions across Nigeria have positively impacted over 300,000 students and 50,000 academic and administrative staff. The programme seeks to improve the learning environment in Nigerian schools through reliable electricity supply.
The Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Hakeem Fawehinmi, welcomed the solar hybrid plant, saying it would strengthen electricity supply to the university. He noted that the project would support the energy requirements of the growing academic and residential community. The university community is expected to benefit from the improved power supply, enhancing the overall learning experience.
In a related development, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commenced rehabilitation of four vandalised transmission towers along the Afam-IPP-Elelenwo 132kV double-circuit transmission line. The vandalised towers, T50 to T53, were discovered on August 6, 2026, by TCN’s lines engineers from the Port Harcourt Region. The incident is the fifth vandalism attack on the same transmission line in recent times.
TCN urged communities, security agencies and stakeholders to collaborate with it to curb the increasing incidence of vandalism threatening the stability of the national grid. The company is working to restore the affected infrastructure and ensure the reliability of the transmission line. The rehabilitation work is ongoing, with efforts to prevent future vandalism and protect critical electricity infrastructure.
Key points
- NEMSA certified the 3.3MW solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University after inspecting and testing the facility.
- The project was implemented under the Federal Government’s Energising Education Programme (EEP) in collaboration with REA and the World Bank.
- TCN commenced rehabilitation of four vandalised transmission towers along the Afam-IPP-Elelenwo 132kV double-circuit transmission line.
