The Yobe State Government has secured a 5 million dollar grant from the World Bank to provide rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (PV) power supply to six major health and educational institutions across the state.
The project is part of efforts to enhance service delivery and promote sustainable development through reliable and clean energy solutions.
The breakthrough followed a partnership initiated by Gov. Mai Mala Buni between the Yobe State Government, the Federal Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the World Bank.
Under the project, four major healthcare facilities — Specialist Hospital Potiskum, Specialist Hospital Geidam, Specialist Hospital Buni Yadi and General Hospital Nguru — will benefit from the solar installations.
Two educational institutions — Umar Suleiman College of Education, Gashua, and Yobe State University, Damaturu — are also included in the intervention.
Officials said the initiative is designed to address persistent electricity challenges and reduce the high cost of diesel-powered generation, which has affected healthcare delivery and academic activities in the affected institutions.
The installation of solar PV systems is expected to provide reliable and cost-effective power supply, ensure uninterrupted services, lower operational costs and support environmental sustainability.
The government noted that the initiative followed a comprehensive feasibility study and energy needs assessment, which confirmed that most buildings were structurally suitable for rooftop solar installations, with alternative provisions for ground-mounted systems where required.
It was further disclosed that the detailed project document had been formally submitted to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engr. Abba Aliyu, by Dr Mustapha Abba Geidam, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Energy, on behalf of the state government for implementation.
The state government expressed appreciation to the World Bank and the Rural Electrification Agency for their support and partnership, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the successful execution of the project.
Observers say the project is expected to improve healthcare delivery, support academic activities and strengthen renewable energy adoption in the state.
