Nigeria’s House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy has summoned contractors handling projects under the Federal Government’s Energising Education Programme, signalling intensified parliamentary scrutiny of one of the country’s largest public sector renewable energy initiatives.
The contractors, responsible for Phases I, II and III of the programme implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency, are expected to appear before lawmakers with comprehensive documentation covering contract awards, engineering designs, feasibility studies, commissioning records, maintenance agreements and current project status reports.
The directive followed a resolution adopted at plenary on 22 October 2025, mandating a review of the placement and execution of renewable energy projects across Ministries, Departments and Agencies. In a formal communication to the agency, the committee requested full disclosure of project records as part of an ongoing probe into the implementation of green energy initiatives in federal institutions.
Chairman of the Committee, Afam Ogene, said the hearing is designed to ensure compliance with due process, verify project quality and assess the sustainability of installations funded under the scheme. He raised concerns about reports of malfunctioning solar powered streetlights in some public spaces and stressed the need to prevent substandard execution and financial losses.
House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, represented at the session by Deputy Leader Ibrahim Halims, described the inquiry as a core legislative responsibility. He said the House remains focused on strengthening transparency and institutional integrity, while advancing policies that integrate renewable energy into Nigeria’s electricity mix.
Expanding Clean Energy Access in Public Institutions
The Energising Education Programme was approved in 2016 as a Federal Government initiative to provide reliable and affordable electricity to federal universities and teaching hospitals. Chronic power shortages have long affected these institutions, disrupting academic activities, research, student accommodation and healthcare delivery.
According to official documents from the Rural Electrification Agency, Phase I of the programme covered seven federal universities and two teaching hospitals across five geopolitical zones. Beneficiaries include Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and its teaching hospital in Bauchi State with a 3.0 megawatt solar installation; Bayero University, Kano with 3.0 megawatts; the University of Agriculture, Makurdi in Benue State with 7.0 megawatts; the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun in Delta State with 12 megawatts; Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo in Ebonyi State with 3.0 megawatts; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka with 1.5 megawatts; and Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto State with 2.5 megawatts. The agency lists these installations as operational.
By replacing diesel generation with captive solar hybrid systems, the programme is designed to lower operating costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide stable electricity for laboratories, lecture halls, student residences and medical facilities.
Phase II was integrated into the Nigeria Electrification Programme with funding support from the World Bank. Under this phase, seven federal universities and two affiliated teaching hospitals across all six geopolitical zones received captive solar hybrid power plants. Institutions listed include the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; the University of Calabar and its teaching hospital; the University of Maiduguri and its teaching hospital; the University of Abuja; Federal University Gashua; and the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna State.
Programme records indicate that Phase II extends beyond electricity generation. It includes rehabilitation of existing campus distribution networks, installation of solar powered streetlights to enhance security, and the establishment of Renewable Energy Workshops and Training Centres intended to build technical capacity among students and staff. The Federal Government, with World Bank support, earmarked 145.8 million dollars for engineering, procurement and construction, street lighting, network upgrades, training facilities and one year of operations and maintenance.
The programme also incorporates a gender inclusion component. Official information states that 140 female students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics disciplines were trained in renewable energy technologies across beneficiary institutions during Phase II, aligning with broader national objectives on energy transition and inclusive development.
Phase III and Climate Impact
Phase III, funded by the African Development Bank under the Nigeria Electrification Project, is currently under construction in eight federal universities. These include Modibbo Adama University of Technology in Adamawa State; Federal University of Dutsin Ma in Katsina State; Federal University of Lafia in Nasarawa State; Federal University of Lokoja in Kogi State; Federal University of Technology Owerri in Imo State; University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State; Federal University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State; and Federal University of Technology Akure in Ondo State.
Project updates published by the implementing agencies show completion levels ranging between 88 and 95 percent, with installed capacities varying from 1.6 megawatts to 10.7 megawatts depending on campus demand.
The African Development Bank states that Phase III is expected to provide uninterrupted electricity access to more than 148,000 students and achieve annual carbon dioxide savings of 6.08 kilotons by reducing dependence on diesel generators. It also includes the installation of 250 solar streetlights and practical renewable energy training for 800 students and 200 staff members, with 160 female students receiving targeted training.
These components reflect the intersection of energy access, emissions reduction and skills development that increasingly defines Nigeria’s clean energy transition.
Oversight, Sustainability and Next Steps
The scale of investment and the breadth of institutional coverage have positioned the Energising Education Programme as a central component of Nigeria’s public sector renewable energy strategy. However, the House committee’s decision to summon contractors indicates that lawmakers are seeking greater clarity on implementation standards, cost structures and long-term maintenance arrangements.
By demanding detailed project documentation, the committee is expected to examine whether installations align with approved designs, whether procurement procedures were followed, and whether maintenance frameworks are adequate to sustain operations beyond initial commissioning.
The investigative hearing is also expected to identify projects that may be underperforming and recommend measures to strengthen delivery. For federal universities and teaching hospitals that rely on the systems for stable power supply, the outcome of the probe could influence future funding, oversight mechanisms and performance benchmarks.
As Nigeria expands renewable energy infrastructure in public institutions, the parliamentary review places attention on governance, transparency and long-term system performance. The findings of the hearings may shape how subsequent phases are implemented and how clean energy investments are monitored to ensure that climate goals, energy access targets and institutional needs are met.
