President Bola Tinubu has approved the implementation of a ₦70 billion mini-grid solar power project under the 2025 Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention cycle to address erratic power supply across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

The project, which seeks to provide renewable and sustainable energy solutions, will cover 12 institutions, including the Nigerian Army University, Biu; Northwest University, Kano; Ambrose Alli University, Edo State; Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Imo State; and Lagos State University, among others.

Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the 2025 TETFund National Town Hall Meeting. He described the initiative as part of ongoing reforms aimed at driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Masari commended President Tinubu for providing the policy direction that has strengthened educational reforms through the Renewed Hope Agenda. He also appreciated the support of the Ministers of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, as well as the National Assembly Committees on TETFund.

According to him, the current TETFund Board has pursued a reform-driven agenda anchored on three pillars: transforming tertiary education into a driver of innovation and productivity, strengthening transparency and accountability, and expanding research, technology, and entrepreneurship.

He noted that the ₦70 billion solar power project is one of several initiatives designed to enhance teaching, learning, and research while promoting energy sustainability across campuses.

Highlighting TETFund’s achievements, Masari revealed that the Fund has sponsored 3,332 Master’s and 4,796 Ph.D. scholars locally, supported research and conference participation, and delivered key infrastructure such as lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and ICT centres nationwide.

He added that TETFund has established multipurpose zonal research laboratories and Centres of Excellence in 48 institutions, focusing on biotechnology, renewable energy, food security, governance, and health sciences.

Masari further disclosed that the Fund has launched a Special High Impact Intervention in 18 medical colleges across the six geopolitical zones, deploying medical simulation facilities in eight universities, including Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Maiduguri; University of Lagos; and University of Benin.

“These facilities will improve hands-on medical training, reduce dependence on foreign medical education, and strengthen healthcare delivery,” he stated.

He also mentioned that TETFund has introduced Early Grade Resource Centres in six Colleges of Education to enhance teacher training and established demonstration farms and commercial agricultural projects to support food security initiatives.

In his remarks, TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, described the solar power initiative as a bold and strategic step toward solving the power crisis in tertiary institutions.

He said stable electricity would not only enhance digital learning, research, and innovation but also promote environmental sustainability through renewable energy solutions.

Also present at the event were the Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse; Chairperson, House Committee on TETFund, Mariam Onuoha; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris; former ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke; and Chairman, Committee of Vice-Chancellors, Prof. Tanko Ishaya.

They commended TETFund for its strategic interventions in infrastructure, research, and human capital development, noting that the Fund’s efforts have significantly improved the quality of education and innovation across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide.