FULafia Achieves Energy Milestone with 1.6MW Solar Power Plant Commissioning

 In a major stride toward sustainable infrastructure, the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) officially commissioned a 1.6 megawatt (MW) solar hybrid power plant on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The landmark project is set to provide a reliable, clean energy supply to the institution’s academic and residential areas, drastically reducing dependence on the national grid and diesel generators. 

The commissioning ceremony was led by the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, marking one of the final significant achievements of his tenure. 

The plant was developed under the Energising Education Programme (EEP), a flagship initiative of the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). Sponsored by the African Development Bank (AfDB), this phase of the EEP aims to: 

Deliver Clean Energy: Provide stable power to 37 federal universities and seven teaching hospitals nationwide.

Enhance Safety: Include comprehensive campus street lighting to improve night-time security.

Empower Students: Establish a Renewable Energy Training Centre to provide hands-on technical skills in solar installation and maintenance. 

Professor Abdul Rahman emphasized that the facility is not just an infrastructure upgrade but a catalyst for institutional efficiency. With 24-hour electricity, the university can now support advanced research, seamless administrative operations, and a more conducive learning environment for its growing student population. 

The project also features a sustainability plan involving the training of 100 students and technical staff to manage the plant's long-term maintenance, ensuring the investment serves future generations.