Federal Polytechnics Seek REA’s Support For Solar Power In Off-Grid Campuses

The Committee of Chairmen Governing Councils of Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria, led by Senator Barnabas Gemade, has called on the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to provide solar energy solutions for polytechnic campuses that remain off-grid.

During a high-level meeting, the committee emphasized the need for urgent intervention through the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI) to power technical institutions with clean, sustainable energy.

REA’s Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to expanding renewable energy access, citing successes from the Energising Education Programme (EEP), which has already deployed solar hybrid power plants to Federal Universities and Teaching Hospitals.

The discussions also explored collaboration on skills development, proposing the establishment of training centers within polytechnics to equip students with hands-on expertise in solar technology.

Both parties pledged to work together to accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition and enhance education through sustainable power solutions.