Why Nigeria is Switching to Cleaner Energy – Osinbajo
With the commissioning of another hybrid solar power plant by the federal government, a plan for an energy transition to renewable energy is being implemented at a university in Nigeria.
According to SAN Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, this is in line with the globally approved climate change agenda and the Bukhari administration’s efforts to connect more communities to off-grid electricity and reliable energy sources.
Professor. Osinbajo said this Thursday in a message delivered to the de facto commissioning of a 1.12 MW solar hybrid power plant at Abubakar Tafava Baleva University, Bauchi.
The project, under the Energy Education Program (EEP), a federal government initiative, aims to provide 37 federal universities and 7 teaching hospitals with energy-saving solutions that provide sustainable and reliable food for students and teachers.
According to the Vice President, “Renewable energy is the fastest growing energy segment today and will certainly become a key engine of the economy in the future.
“Indeed, Nigeria intends to generate 30% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Therefore, our future workforce must be ready to switch to energy sources. Training centers are another important advantage of this project. “
He further noted that “in addition, this program reaffirms the federal government’s commitment to global best practices in the transition to cleaner energy sources in accordance with the Paris Agreement on climate change.
“These projects, which are being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency, are of strategic importance to fulfill our obligations under the agreement as they seek to reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint.
“The use of renewable energy technologies is in line with the mandate of the federal government and related activities. Nigeria’s plan to reduce carbon emissions by 20% unconditionally and by 45% with international support by 2030 aims to limit the harmful effects of climate change. ”
Speaking about the benefits of EEP, Professor Osinbajo said that “there are already 22,000 students and teachers across the country connected to completed projects in Kano, Ebonyi, Benue and of course now in Bauchi. But in addition to providing a reliable source of internal energy for these institutions, each institution will have a renewable energy workshop and training center to educate students on renewable energy. ”
He said that “the project also includes installing lampposts and wiring existing ones to provide better lighting and security for the campus and the surrounding area. In addition, 20 female students enrolled in STEM courses at the beneficiary institutions receive on-the-job training. The training focuses on the design and installation of the various components of a project. “
Thanking the executing agency, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) for its hard work and resourcefulness in implementing the program, Professor Osinbajo instructed the agency to redouble its efforts to “quickly and efficiently launch an education program across the country.”
Likewise, the vice president acknowledged and praised what he called “a compelling demonstration of cooperation between the federal ministries of energy, education and the environment, the National University Commission and the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission” in bringing the project to life.
It should be remembered that the federal government, under the EEP, commissioned 3 autonomous solar hybrid power plants at 3 universities located in the states of Kano, Ebony and Benue.
In August 2019, through the Rural Electrification Agency, the federal government completed and commissioned the first power plant under the EEP – the first 2.8 MW hybrid solar power plant at Alex Ekwueme Federal University in Ndufu Alik Ikwo (FUNAI) in the state of Ebonya. The project also included lighting 7.5 km of solar-powered street lamps at the university.
In September of that year, the Bukhari administration commissioned Africa’s largest stand-alone hybrid solar power plant at Bayero University in Kano (BUK). The project, which provides students and teachers with a stable electricity supply, also includes the supply of 11.41 km of solar-powered street lamps and a world-class renewable energy training center.
Likewise, in December 2020, the federal government commissioned 8.25 million hybrid solar power plants at the Federal Agricultural University (FUAM), Makurdi, in Benue State. As a result, FUAM students and faculty now have access to electricity from a solar power plant. The project also includes the installation of 13.23 km of solar-powered street lamps for campus lighting and security.
All universities are also equipped with world-class renewable energy laboratories and training centers for the program.
In another case, the vice president chaired the first meeting of the cabinet committee to review the draft national transport policy.
The committee’s terms of reference include determining “which ministry or agency has statutory authority to manage tolls on Nigerian roads” and “the respective roles of the Ministry of Finance, National Budget and Planning and the Ministry of Construction and Housing in relation to them”. Ministry of Transport in accordance with the road fund proposed by the policy. “
The committee, at a meeting held in the presidential villa, includes Transport Minister Rotimi Amaeci, Construction and Works Minister Babatunde Fashola, and National Budget and Planning Minister Clem Agba, who represented the Finance Minister.
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President for Media and Advertising
Vice President’s Office
11 February 2021
