The Federal Government has officially kicked off the AKTH Solar Power Project, which is a big investment of ₦12 billion to create a solar power facility that will generate seven megawatts of energy. This project aims to provide clean and reliable electricity to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) in Kano State. It’s an important step as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on improving healthcare and promoting sustainable energy solutions throughout Nigeria.
Overview of the AKTH Solar Power Project
Just 48 hours after a power supply dispute between AKTH and Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) disrupted hospital operations, the federal government flagged off this ambitious solar power project. Funded with over ₦12 billion, the facility aims to make AKTH wholly independent of the national grid. The project will ensure uninterrupted power supply, significantly reducing operational costs and enhancing patient care.
Abubakar Bichi, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations and representative of Bichi Federal Constituency, facilitated the project. At the flag-off event in Kano, Bichi emphasized the government’s commitment to solarizing all tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals nationwide, starting with AKTH.
Government’s Commitment to Solarizing Healthcare
The 2025 federal budget allocated ₦300 billion toward solar power expansion in federal universities and tertiary hospitals. Bichi revealed that AKTH alone attracted ₦26 billion in new projects this year an unprecedented development in the hospital’s history. Other installations in progress include 5-6 megawatts at Bayero University Kano, 4 megawatts at ADUSTECH Wudil, and 3 megawatts at Murtala and Nasarawa hospitals.
The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, led by Minister Uche Nnaji, described the project as a major step towards translating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda from vision to action. The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), managed by Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, committed to completing the solar installation by December 2025. ECN explained that the project will pioneer the solarization of nearly 10,000 tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals nationwide, providing sustainable energy solutions to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Anticipated Benefits of the AKTH Solar Power Project
Professor Abdulrahman Sheshe, the Chief Medical Director at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (AKTH), recently shared some important information about the hospital’s rising electricity costs. The hospital is spending more than ₦150 million every month just on electricity bills. On top of that, they spend around ₦30 million on diesel fuel for generators, which are crucial for running the hospital, especially during frequent power outages.
To tackle these high expenses, AKTH is starting an exciting project to install a modern solar energy system. This new solar facility is expected to cut the hospital’s energy costs by over 30%. The savings will help to free up money that can be used for critical medical services, which means better care and health outcomes for patients.
Switching to solar power will also lessen the hospital’s dependence on the unstable national power grid and the costs of fossil fuels, will make their operations more reliable. Additionally, using renewable energy like solar will help reduce carbon emissions, making a positive impact on the environment. This project is part of a larger global effort to adopt clean energy solutions in essential public services, supporting both ecological health and energy independence for the future.
Expansion Plans for Solar Power in Nigerian Institutions
The AKTH Solar Power Project is a key program aimed at improving health and education in Nigeria. With increased funding from the national budget, several universities and teaching hospitals will be getting new solar energy systems. This investment is designed to save money, ensure a reliable power supply, and improve services in these important institutions.
Additionally, Abubakar Bichi took the time to check on the progress of a new five-story Accident and Emergency Center at AKTH. This shows the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare for everyone.
Source: DAILYTRUST