Universities and other tertiary institutions to benefit from continuous power supply, courtesy of TETFund.

“Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has pledged to collaborate with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to ensure a continuous power supply in universities and other tertiary institutions across the nation.

During a courtesy visit by the Managing Director of REA, Salihijo Ahmad, to the office of TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, in Abuja, Echono emphasized the critical importance of uninterrupted power for tertiary institutions. He commended REA’s Energizing Education Programme (EEP), which is already underway in selected universities and teaching hospitals across the country.

Echono stated, ‘The significance of consistent power supply cannot be overstated, especially as we aim to enhance not only the physical infrastructure but also the ICT and research capabilities in our institutions. Many of these require a continuous power supply. Certain experiments necessitate specific temperature conditions for extended periods, and there are critical operations in medical laboratories that cannot afford any power interruptions. To create a competitive learning environment on a global scale, ensuring power stability on our campuses is one of our primary responsibilities.’

Furthermore, the head of TETFund called upon REA to address any challenges encountered by beneficiary institutions involved in the EEP project. He also expressed TETFund’s intent to explore the possibility of securing long-term financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for future editions of the scheme. Echono noted, ‘Acquiring long-term financing at favorable interest rates will allow us to accomplish more.’

Salihijo, the Managing Director of REA, shared that the EEP, aimed at providing sustainable and clean power to 37 federal universities and seven university teaching hospitals across the country, has already commenced in 24 universities and selected teaching hospitals.