The federal government, on Wednesday in Lagos, assured Nigerians that it would make tertiary institutions in the country energy sufficient by 2026 through the provision of mini grids.

The minister of education, Tunji Alausa, gave the assurance at the inauguration of a newly constructed Olatunji Bello Auditorium at the Lagos State University (LASU), Epe Campus. The auditorium was provided by Olatunji Bello, a former commissioner for environment in Lagos State, and husband of LASU Vice Chancellor, Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello.

Mr Alausa said that the provision of the mini-grids was a commitment by President Bola Tinubu to students, universities and other tertiary institutions.

“By this time next year, literally all tertiary institutions in the country will have mini-grids that will make them energy sufficient.

“With energy sufficiency, we would unleash the capabilities of our youths in the area of research, technology and everything they do.

“Join me in thanking President Tinubu for his commitment to education development,” he said.

Mr Alausa said that a five-megawatt mini-grid had already been approved for LASU’s Epe Campus. He added that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) would donate 11MW mini grid for the main campus of LASU at Ojo.

The minister praised Mr Bello for building the 550-seat ultra-modern auditorium, saying that it was a testament to how committed Nigerians could be in shaping institutions and inspiring generations.

Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who inaugurated the auditorium, praised Mr Bello for fulfilling his promise to invest in education.

“This edifice is more than a building; it is a beacon of knowledge, creativity, cultural exchange and intellectual engagement,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said that, in the next 60 days, his administration would inaugurate the largest university library in Nigeria at the Ojo Campus of LASU. He said that the library would be inaugurated alongside other facilities.

“We remain resolute in our commitment to strengthening LASU’s place as Nigeria’s foremost state university. “With projects such as these, our vision of a globally competitive institution is within reach,” he added.

In his goodwill message, a former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, described Mr Bello’s action as a demonstration of gratitude and selflessness.

According to him, many Nigerians spend hundreds of millions of naira on parties for milestone birthdays, but Mr Bello decided to channel resources into a project that will benefit the education sector and the general society.

Mr Osoba described Mr Bello as a man of honour who had remained committed to services to humanity and education development.

In his address, Mr Bello said that the gesture was his way of investing in posterity.

“The government alone cannot do it. Private individuals who have the means should invest in public tertiary education to create more opportunities. “When God gives you a vision, God will also provide the means in miraculous ways.

“God’s miracle, sometimes, comes by having some brilliant ideas suddenly deposited in your mind,” he said.

He noted that construction of the auditorium began in 2021 with the support of his friends, who converted their intended birthday gifts into cash donations for the purpose.

Mr Bello said that he remained committed to providing the facility and even sold his property to ensure its completion.

Mr Bello urged LASU students to make maximum use of the facility.

Earlier, Mrs Olatunji-Bello said that the facility represented more than architectural beauty.

“It is a strategic investment in academic excellence and institutional identity.

“It reinforces the fundamental truth that when we invest in education, we invest in tomorrow’s leaders.

“Bello has, through word and deed, inscribed his name in the permanent record of LASU’s growth story.

“This is making infrastructure available and accessible for seamless academic and administrative operations,” she said.

She said that her administration had made strategic investments in expanding and upgrading facilities at the Epe campus of LASU.

“This includes construction of Iraye Gate House, completion of the first phase comprehensive fencing and proper demarcation between the campus and the adjoining Nigerian Army Barracks.”

She thanked her husband for providing the auditorium, giving the assurance that the facility would be optimally utilised, meticulously maintained and deeply cherished.