The Tertiary Education Trust Fund has unveiled a Special Intervention initiative aimed at addressing the persistent power shortages affecting Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
The Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, Aminu Masari, announced the initiative on Wednesday while inaugurating the steering committee on the Alternative Energy Solution Initiative for tertiary institutions.
Masari, a former governor of Katsina State, emphasised that stable electricity is crucial for effective learning and research, yet many institutions continue to struggle with inadequate power supply.
He noted that the intervention aligned with the Fund’s commitment to supporting the federal government’s efforts to ensure a steady power supply in higher institutions across the country.
“We are all aware of the various factors contributing to this challenge, including rising electricity tariffs, which have become unbearable for many institutions, among other issues,” he said.
The newly inaugurated committee, chaired by Sunday Adepoju, a member of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, has been given two months to submit a preliminary report. It will also play a key role in implementing the proposed solutions.
It is worth noting that the Federal Government has previously initiated plans to provide electricity to tertiary institutions through the Rural Electrification Agency.
The REA aims to deploy captive solar hybrid power plants to 15 federal tertiary institutions and two teaching hospitals as part of efforts to expand electricity access to underserved areas.
The lack of reliable power supply has long hindered academic activities and research in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Experts believe that improved electricity access will significantly enhance the quality of education, research output, and overall campus experience for students and faculty.
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