TETFund endorses hybrid energy systems for tertiary institutions
By Uji A. Iliyasu, Abuja
Amidst soaring energy costs and unreliable power supply, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has endorsed a comprehensive shift towards hybrid energy systems in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. This follows the submission of a report by the Steering Committee on Alternative Energy Solutions, which recommends the adoption of hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV), battery storage, grid integration, and gas-fed backup power systems as the most cost-effective and sustainable solution.
The committee, inaugurated on 12 March 2025 by the chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Rt Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, conducted a nationwide energy audit in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The assessment covered universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education grappling with rising power costs and erratic supply.
Presenting the report in Abuja, Chairman of the Steering Committee, Hon. Sonday Adepoju, described the national grid as unreliable and financially unsustainable, with diesel generators no longer viable for long-term use.
“Institutional energy demands must be met through resilient and cost-efficient solutions,” he said, noting that gas-fired generators provide a cleaner backup where natural gas is accessible.
The committee’s terms of reference included evaluating existing consumption patterns, identifying scalable and eco-friendly alternatives, and recommending policies for long-term clean energy adoption. It comprised energy experts, engineers, architects, and officials from the Federal Ministries of Power and Education, Energy Commission of Nigeria, REA, NUC, NBTE, NCCE, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
From 13 to 17 April 2025, the committee visited solar and hybrid installations at institutions such as University of Abuja, Bayero University Kano, Michael Okpara University, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Lagos State University, and Abia State University. It also inspected gas power facilities at Greenfield Industries’ LNG Plant, Julius Berger’s installation, and the CNG facility at NFPC.
For the pilot phase, 12 institutions were selected based on geographic representation, student population, infrastructure readiness, and their exclusion from REA’s existing Electrified Education Programme. These include Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai; Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa; Nigerian Army University, Biu; Federal Polytechnic, Mubi; Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano; Federal Polytechnic, Daura; Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri; Federal Polytechnic, Oko; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny; Lagos State University; and Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro.
Key recommendations include adopting region-specific hybrid configurations tailored to local solar irradiation levels and prioritising critical infrastructure—such as hospitals, ICT centres, and laboratories—for solar and gas power. Institutions are urged to phase out diesel generators, replacing or retrofitting 80% with gas-powered units. Systems should also be designed to ensure seamless operation during outages and to accommodate future growth.
A detailed implementation framework, including plant sizing and cost projections per institution, was submitted to TETFund.
Executive Secretary Sonny Echono commended the committee’s diligence and patriotism, stating that the recommendations would serve as a roadmap for TETFund’s clean energy investments in higher education institutions across Nigeria.