Varsities to get $500m solar boost under Tinubu Light Initiative

Nigeria’s public universities are set to benefit from a $500 million solar power investment under the Tinubu Light Initiative, a federal government venture designed to provide cleaner and more reliable electricity to campuses.

The investment, which was unveiled Thursday in Abuja at the launch of the Tinubu Light Initiative, organised by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), will cover as much as 90 percent of the cost of solar power plants sited at universities, subject to bankable power purchase agreements and agreed project milestones.

Yosef Abramowitz, chief executive officer of renewable energy firm Gigawatt Global, said his company would provide up to $500 million to finance the project.

“We’re honoured to present up to $500 million in project finance. That will represent 90 percent financing for solar power plants at universities, which will also anchor power supply to the rural communities surrounding them,” Abramowitz said.

Abramowitz emphasised that many Nigerian public universities depend on costly diesel generators, often limiting electricity supply to a few hours daily, a constraint he said undermines both academic work and internet connectivity.

According to Abramowitz, each installation is expected to generate between 10 and 20 megawatts, enough to cover a university’s needs while feeding surplus electricity to nearby rural communities through prepaid metering systems.

“The plants will produce more power than the universities need. The surplus electricity will be supplied to neighbouring communities through prepaid metering systems, helping to expand access to reliable electricity,” he said.

Besides, he said that the initiative would cut diesel dependence, lower electricity costs and support the shift to cleaner energy.

Gigawatt Global disclosed that it would prioritise local manufacturers and service providers to boost the project’s economic impact, with local firms handling operations and maintenance to ensure long-term sustainability.

Moreover, Abramowitz noted that access to cheaper, more reliable power would free up institutional resources for teaching, research and innovation, areas he said are often squeezed by rising energy bills.

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The proposed investment comes as Nigerian tertiary institutions continue to grapple with soaring energy costs. Many universities spend billions of naira annually on diesel to power lecture halls, laboratories, hostels and research facilities.

Several institutions have warned that rising electricity costs are disrupting academic activities, forcing them to ration power supply and raise utility charges for students.