By Benson Daniel
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has commended the Rural Electrification Agency for its efforts to expand and sustainably manage renewable energy infrastructure across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Alausa gave the commendation during the launch of the Renewable Asset Management Company, RAMCO, describing the leadership of the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, as transformational and proactive.
The minister said the progress recorded by the agency in recent years demonstrated a significant shift in the pace and effectiveness of renewable energy deployment, particularly within the education sector.
He highlighted the impact of renewable energy projects under the Energising Education Programme, noting that improved electricity supply was already transforming learning, research and innovation in beneficiary institutions.
According to him, the University of Abuja now benefits from a 3.2 megawatt renewable energy installation capable of providing round the clock electricity, enabling uninterrupted research, digital learning and academic activities.
Alausa stressed that reliable electricity remained fundamental to the success of Nigeria’s education system, particularly as universities increasingly depend on technology, digital platforms, laboratories and modern research facilities.
He, however, warned that the benefits of renewable energy investments could be lost if the infrastructure was not properly maintained after commissioning.
The minister explained that renewable energy installations required continuous technical attention, regular monitoring, timely replacement of components and clear accountability to remain operational throughout their economic lifespan.
He therefore described the establishment of RAMCO as an important transition from merely deploying renewable energy infrastructure to ensuring that such assets are professionally managed and preserved.
The initiative is expected to provide a structured framework for the maintenance and optimisation of renewable energy assets deployed with public funds, while also improving their financial and operational sustainability.
The Rural Electrification Agency has deployed significant solar hybrid generation capacity to federal universities and teaching hospitals through its electrification programmes. However, assessments of some earlier projects revealed deterioration in a number of installations, highlighting the need for stronger post commissioning management.
Under the new approach, renewable energy assets are expected to be managed through professional systems that include maintenance, monitoring, metering, revenue collection and timely replacement of critical equipment.
Alausa urged RAMCO to adopt a proactive approach to asset management and ensure that renewable energy facilities continue to deliver value to educational institutions.
He said protecting existing investments was particularly important because stable electricity would support the government’s wider education reforms, including digital learning, research, innovation and technical training.
The minister’s remarks underscore the growing recognition that Nigeria’s renewable energy investments must go beyond project delivery to include long term sustainability and efficient asset management.
With the creation of RAMCO, stakeholders expect improved accountability and better utilisation of renewable energy infrastructure, while the model could also create opportunities for private capital to participate in the expansion and sustainability of clean energy projects.
The development is expected to strengthen electricity supply in tertiary institutions and ensure that investments in renewable energy continue to contribute to improved academic and research outcomes across the country.
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