President Bola Tinubu has announced plans to install solar panels in public higher education institutions across Nigeria, as part of efforts to reduce the burden of high power tariffs faced by these institutions. The initiative, aimed at mitigating the financial strain on universities, was revealed during the 55th convocation ceremony of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), held in Akoka, Yaba.
Represented by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, President Tinubu assured the academic community that his administration is committed to supporting education and addressing the numerous challenges facing public universities in the country. This announcement comes in response to persistent complaints from institutions like UNILAG, which have been struggling with high electricity bills, a challenge that has hindered their ability to provide a conducive learning environment.
In his speech, President Tinubu emphasized that education is a key pillar of national development, stating, “My administration recognizes that education is the cornerstone of national development. It is the bedrock upon which a prosperous society is built.” He reaffirmed that this understanding would guide his administration’s policies and investments in the education sector.
The President went on to elaborate on his government’s efforts to revitalize the education system, citing the proposed 2025 Budget as a testament to this commitment. “In the proposed 2025 Budget, we have allocated N3.52 trillion to education, the third-highest allocation, underscoring our commitment to revitalizing the sector,” he said. This allocation, part of the broader “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” is intended to stabilize the economy and foster national progress.
In addition to the solar panel initiative, Tinubu highlighted the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as another key policy aimed at improving access to higher education. “Key initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, have widened access to higher education, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder our youth from achieving their dreams,” he explained. The program has already benefited thousands of students, with plans to expand it to support even more in the future.
The President also outlined ongoing reforms within the education sector aimed at tackling systemic challenges. While he did not go into specific details, the reforms are expected to address issues such as inadequate infrastructure, poor funding, and the need for curriculum updates to meet modern standards.
At the heart of his address was a message of hope and commitment to the future of education in Nigeria. “We remain committed to expanding this program to benefit thousands more,” Tinubu assured the audience, signaling his administration’s long-term focus on improving educational outcomes in the country.
