The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has commissioned a 1-megawatt (MW) solar power project and inaugurated 100 solar-powered streetlights at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Solarisation Project.
Speaking at the event on Friday, ECN Director-General, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, said the initiative is designed to improve security and enhance learning conditions within the university community.
He stressed the importance of lighting in tackling insecurity, noting that “everything bad happens in darkness,” adding that the project is part of efforts to address security challenges in northern Nigeria.
Abdullahi also highlighted the academic benefits of the project, stating that students would now have access to reliable lighting at night, instead of relying on unsafe alternatives such as candles.
He explained that the solar installation uses advanced hybrid technology capable of generating electricity even under shade or dusty conditions, with a smart monitoring system that allows users to track performance remotely.
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According to him, the project followed a detailed energy audit of the university, which has over 40,000 students and staff and an estimated energy demand of about 10MW.
“We are starting with 1MW, but this is just the beginning,” Abdullahi said, assuring that further interventions would be made to meet the institution’s full energy needs.
SolaceBase reports that the DG described the project as a flagship initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aimed at providing “sustainable, reliable and affordable energy” to institutions across the country.
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In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa, said, “The installation of one megawatt solar plant on the old campus as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed towards solarisation of federal universities and teaching hospitals.”
He added, “We are eternally grateful to the DG,” noting that the university community deeply appreciates the intervention and the support extended by the Energy Commission of Nigeria.
