The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has commenced the installation of a 2-megawatt solar mini grid at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Kano, as part of efforts to reduce dependence on the unreliable national grid. This alternative energy source, valued at over N3.8 billion, is being implemented under the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Solarization agenda, which aims to restore functional electricity supply across tertiary institutions.
Commission's Mandate and Project Details
Unveiling the facility on Friday, ECN Director General Mustapha Abdullahi explained that the 2MW solar power installation is part of the commission's mandate to address energy insecurity in higher education institutions across Nigeria. Abdullahi, an alumnus of the university, noted that the phase one installation of the Renewed Hope Solarization Initiative at Aliko University follows previous interventions at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Bayero University, both in Kano.
The project, expected to be completed within three months, was preceded by a careful assessment of technical evaluations, load capacity audits, and demand analysis of the university. Abdullahi emphasized that the solar photovoltaic array will be paired with a battery energy storage system to ensure power continuity beyond daylight hours. The installation will be carried out in decentralized clusters rather than a single large installation to improve resilience and ease management.
Contractual Compliance and Accountability
The ECN executive cautioned that the contractor must adhere strictly to the stipulated mandate agreed in the deed of contract, insisting that no variation in the contract sum will be accepted. He also reminded that full accountability will be demanded through the Commission's project monitoring framework. “Every groundbreaking under this programme is preceded by rigorous technical work – energy audits, load assessments, site surveys, and system design. Our team arrived on this campus with that precise mandate, and the findings were unambiguous. ADUST is home to a combined population of 24,339 persons – students, 2,462 staff, and hostel facilities providing 5,200 bed spaces,” Abdullahi stated.
He further explained that the assessed actual energy demand on the campus ranges between 12.3 and 16.4 megawatts, yet the total connected load on utility records stands at only 8.26 megawatts – a figure that already exceeds what the grid reliably delivers. The institution spends an average of N22.4 million every month on electricity bills. “Based on the audit, the Energy Commission's technical recommendation is a 7-megawatt solar mini grid as the complete solution for ADUST's energy needs. That is our target. What we are breaking ground for today – a 2-megawatt Phase 1 system – is the foundation of that phased deployment. Phase 1 is not a ceiling; it is a starting point, deliberately designed for expansion in configuration, land use, and technical capacity,” he added.
University Leadership's Response
Vice Chancellor Professor Musa Yakasai described the installation of the 2MW solar mini grid as an unprecedented infrastructural milestone and a bold step toward sustainable energy, innovation, and academic excellence in the institution. He applauded the unwavering contribution of the ECN Director General, which includes the supply and installation of 200 units of solar streetlights across the campus, with an additional 200 units to enhance safety and sustainability. According to the VC, the DG also granted approval for the “Train-the-Trainer” programme on the application of the Nigeria Energy Calculator (NECAL 2050), thereby repositioning staff skills in energy planning and policy tools.
