Eighteen higher education institutions are set to gain from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund)’s initiative to implement sustainable mini-grid energy systems.
Engr. Nurudeen Adeyemi, a member of the TETFund Board of Trustees, revealed this development during a town hall meeting held in Ilorin, Kwara State, which brought together stakeholders from the beneficiary institutions and neighboring communities in the north-central region.
Adeyemi explained that TETFund has sanctioned these mini-grid power projects as part of its 2025 intervention plan, allocating a total of N70 billion to support the selected institutions.
The primary goal of this initiative is to tackle one of the most enduring challenges faced by tertiary institutions: the high cost and unreliability of electricity supply.
“This strategic move is designed to provide campuses with a consistent, affordable, and renewable source of electricity, which will help lower operational expenses and foster an improved environment for research and academic activities,” he stated.
Within the north-central zone, the Fund has extended several projects under the guidance of the Board of Trustees. Notable beneficiaries of these high-impact interventions include the University of Ilorin, University of Jos, Benue State University, Federal Polytechnic Ny’Ak Shendam in Plateau State, College of Agriculture, Science and Technology in Nasarawa State, and Federal Polytechnic Bida in Niger State.
Additionally, institutions such as the Federal College of Education Odugbo in Benue State, Kwara State College of Education, and Federal College of Education Okene in Kogi State have also been recipients of this support.
Regarding the significance of the town hall meeting, Adeyemi emphasized, “This gathering represents more than just a forum; it embodies a collaborative effort toward progress. It underscores the Board’s commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in the execution of educational projects.”
He further added, “Our conviction is that sustainable development can only be achieved through open dialogue, mutual trust, and collective engagement.”
The event was attended on behalf of Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq by his senior adviser and counselor, Alhaji Saadu Salahu.
