By Energy Worth
In a bold move to boost healthcare infrastructure and energy independence, the Federal Government has officially launched a ₦12 billion solar power project at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH). This development comes just 48 hours after a publicized power supply dispute between AKTH and the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
The 7-megawatt solar initiative, aimed at taking the hospital completely off the national grid, is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader plan to solarize all federal tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals across the country.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Kano, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations and member representing Bichi Federal Constituency, Hon. Abubakar Bichi, who also facilitated the project, confirmed that over ₦12 billion has been earmarked for the solar installation.
Hon. Bichi expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the approval and support, describing the project as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to revitalizing critical infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“In the 2025 budget, the Federal Government has allocated ₦300 billion for similar projects. Very soon, all tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals—including some state-owned ones—will enjoy 24/7 solar-powered electricity,” he stated.
He added that over ₦26 billion in capital projects have been attracted to AKTH this year alone, marking an unprecedented level of investment. Bichi also revealed plans for additional solar installations, including a 5–6MW system at Bayero University Kano (BUK), 4MW at ADUSTECH Wudil, and 3MW at Murtala Mohammed and Nasarawa hospitals.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, described the project as a concrete step in translating the Renewed Hope Agenda into action.
Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, under whose agency the project is domiciled, assured that the solar system would be completed before the end of December 2025.
“This is the first of its kind in the country, and we plan to replicate it in over 10,000 facilities across all 36 states and the FCT. Our goal is to achieve 100% solar power coverage for all tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals,” Dr. Abdullahi noted.
He emphasized that the move is crucial, as energy bills from electricity distribution companies have become financially unsustainable for many institutions.
The Chief Medical Director of AKTH, Professor Abdulrahman Sheshe, welcomed the project, stating it would result in significant cost savings.
“We currently spend about ₦150 million monthly on electricity bills and an additional ₦30 million on diesel for generators. This solar project couldn’t have come at a better time, especially in light of our recent power challenges,” he said.
Prior to the flag-off, Hon. Bichi also inspected the ongoing construction of a five-storey Accident, Emergency, and Trauma Centre at the hospital—a Federal Government project he also facilitated.
