ABU Electricity Woes to End as REA Set to Build 12MW Solar Plant

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, is set to experience a significant boost in electricity supply as the institution has been selected among seven universities to benefit from the special intervention project under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund.

As part of the intervention, the Rural Electricity Agency (REA) will construct a 12-megawatt solar plant for the university. The initiative, which is a grant to ABU, is expected to address the long-standing electricity challenges at the institution and enhance its operational efficiency.

According to REA, construction of the solar plant will commence immediately, with the project scheduled for completion by December 2025. The Managing Director of REA, Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, made the disclosure during a courtesy visit by ABU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, and a high-level delegation to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

Aliyu assured that REA would work closely with ABU to develop a sustainable energy model that guarantees a reliable power supply at a minimal cost. This cost will cover asset replacement, operations, and maintenance, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project. He further stated that ABU and REA have agreed to sign a term sheet in the coming weeks to formalize the collaboration.

Speaking during the visit, Prof. Bala expressed gratitude to REA for the support and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to ensuring the success of the project. He highlighted the persistent electricity challenges faced by ABU over the years, which have disrupted academic, administrative, and research activities while straining the institution’s financial resources due to high energy costs.

“When completed, the project will not only improve the university’s operational efficiency but also reduce dependence on expensive and unreliable grid power,” Prof. Bala noted.

Accompanying the Vice-Chancellor on the visit were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation, and Advancement, Prof. Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi; Prof. Boyi Jimoh of the Department of Electrical Engineering; Director, Institute of Development Research and Training, Dr. Muhammad Kabir Salihu; and Head of Bulk Metering, Engr. Dahiru Dalhat.

The intervention marks a major step toward ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective power supply for ABU, setting a precedent for other institutions facing similar challenges.