Communique on A 2-Day Retreat on Security and Energy Challenges in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions with members of the National Assembly and critical stakeholders in collaboration with TETFUND, held from the 20th to 23rd October, 2024 at the Lagos Continental Hotel Victoria Island, Lagos.
1.0 Preamble
Nigeria faces the dual challenges of energy and security in the tertiary institutions. In spite of being endowed with vast energy resources, particularly in renewable form such as solar, wind, hydro and biomass, the country has been unable to meet its energy needs and the tertiary institutions which serves as centers of learning, research and innovation are highly affected by erratic power supply which hampers their ability to operate optimally.
Tertiary institutions in Nigeria, comprising Universities, polytechnics and colleges of education face numerous challenges in accessing reliable energy. They often experience prolonged periods without power, affecting both academic and nonacademic activities. The high cost of diesel to power generators which is commonly used as alternatives to the supply from national grid, put a strain on the budgets of these institutions and the reliance on fossil fuels contributes to air pollution and increases the carbon footprint of the institutions.
Hence, renewable energy offers a more sustainable and viable solution to energy challenges facing Nigerian tertiary institutions, by harnessing solar, wind and other renewable sources. These institutions can reduce their dependency on the national grid and fossil fuels, ensuring a more stable and cost-effective energy supply, which will enhance security on the tertiary institutions. To achieve this, a synergic collaboration between the government (NASS) and public sector (including private investors and non-governmental organizations) is essential.
Adopting renewable energy sources can provide a more sustainable and viable solution to these challenges. Renewable energy technologies, particularly solar energy, offer the potential to reduce operational cost, enhance energy security and minimize environmental impact. By harnessing the abundant solar resources in Nigeria Tertiary institutions can enhance their energy independence, improve the quality of educational services, and contribute to national efforts in combating climate change as well as enhancing security.
Both the energy crisis and the prospect of renewable as an enviable alternative energy source to the tertiary institutions were abundantly captured by the paper presentations and discussion. But what was more eloquent was the role of the National Assembly in ensuring a seamless transition from this fossil base energy regime in all sectors of the economy but most critical on the tertiary institutions of the nation.
Thus, after exhaustive discussions on the papers and extensive deliberation on the role of National Assembly on the adoption of renewable energy in tackling the energy challenges in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The retreat adopted the following observations and recommendations as its resolutions:
2.0 ISSUES IDENTIFIED
The policy of outsourcing security is negatively affecting the operations of the tertiary institution in term of theft and vandalization of teaching and learning infrastructure, which put to waste the investment by Tetfund.
Energy is critical for individual survival, national development and security management.
In Nigeria, the energy sector faces challenges to the point that National grid collapse has become a regular occurrence.
Organizations, businesses and individuals now depend on alternative energy sources for daily survival
The energy crisis in Nigeria has negatively impacted tertiary institutions, thereby endangering their crucial role in national development.
In recent years, renewable energy solutions such as solar power has emerged as viable alternatives for addressing the energy crisis in Nigeria Tertiary Institutions.
However, the adoption of these technologies has been slow due to a number of factors including inadequate funding, weak policy frameworks and a lack of political will.
But the National Assembly can play a strategic role in facilitating the adoption of renewable energy in tertiary institutions.
National Assembly is required to be more strategic because the existing legislative frameworks that provide the foundation for addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges have several gaps that need to be filled to ensure a sustainable energy supply for tertiary institutions.
Thus, the following recommendations were made:
Policy & Regulatory Framework. These policies should address grid integration, net metering, and feed-in tariffs.
Financial Incentives to encourage investment in PV systems, such as tax breaks, subsidies, and soft loans.
Capacity Building training programs for engineers, technicians, and other stakeholders to build the necessary expertise for domesticate, install, operate, and maintain PV systems.
Public Awareness campaigns to educate the public about the benefits of solar energy and its potential for reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Role of TETFund in Promoting Renewable Energy Adoption which include funding, Capacity Building and Research and Development.
Solar systems to be financed by development banks
Decentralization of National grid
Off grid solar systems be adopted.
Inter-agency collaborations (REA, NERC and NASENI etc) in adopting solar energy system
Prioritizing tertiary institutions in a national energy policy.
Encourage PPP in developing renewable energy systems in tertiary education with Government funding the viability gap.
Establishing renewable energy research grant
Adopt technology enabled security implementation and monitoring system in tertiary institutions
Establishing partnership and fostering collaborations with law enforcement agencies in securing campuses
Establishment of rapid response teams in the Institutions
Reverse the existing policy on outsource security to allow the institutions to recruit the category of the staff
Enforcement of existing policies and laws in respect of renewable energy facilities importation in the country
There is need for collaboration between Nigeria and international partners in order to foster renewable energy and security in Nigerian tertiary institutions
There is need for the joint assembly to engage interlocutors (Nigerians in diaspora) to access technology and funding I.e grant and investment opportunities
To ensure that investors including Development Banks provide funding for energy infrastructural needs of the institutions to be covered by reasonable repayment period.
The Communique Committee members wish to express their profound appreciation to the organizers for the opportunity given to them.
Dr Babangida Abubakar Albaba, Chairman COHEADS
Hon Jude Ngaji PhD
Prof. Muhammad Dauda, ABU, Zaria
Andy Gabriel
Hon Nicholas Ossai
Dr Collins Udofia
Fredrick Odey
Abubakar Nuhu Ahmed
Prof Faruk R Haruna Chairman Committee of Provosts
