President Bola Tinubu has announced the resolve of his administration to bring about provision of 24-hour power supply to all federal government owned tertiary institutions.
The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad while speaking on behalf of the President at the 45th convocation of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria on Saturday.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Federal Government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed an agreement with the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) under the Energising Education Programme (EEP), to provide 24-hour electricity supply to all Federal tertiary institutions.
“This project will significantly improve the learning environment, boost productivity, support advanced research, and foster entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to national economic growth. Phases I–III of the projects have already supplied over 100 megawatts of clean energy to 24 Federal Universities and their teaching hospitals,” the Minister disclosed.
Ahmad revealed that Ahmadu Bello University is listed among institutions in the Phase IV of the project, which will commence soon.
She also spoke on the introduction of a Staff Loan Scheme for tertiary institution staff by the Tinubu- led government saying the scheme is designed to provide accessible financial support to both academic and non-academic employees throughout the tertiary education system.
“To operationalise this initiative, the Federal Ministry of Education has concluded arrangements with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to provide zero-interest loans to all eligible staff of tertiary institutions nationwide, with the Ministry bearing the full cost of the interest as part of its staff welfare support.
“As I speak to you now, some of the beneficiaries have started collecting their monies since last year. For the current year, a total sum of ₦40 billion has been earmarked for disbursement, with individual loan amounts ranging from ₦1 million to ₦10 million.
“The loans will be repayable over a period of five years, including a one-year moratorium, to ensure affordability and sustainability for beneficiaries,” she explained.
