Yobe Secures $5m World Bank Grant to Power Hospitals, Schools with Solar

Yobe Secures $5m World Bank Grant to Power Hospitals, Schools with Solar

By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu

The Yobe State Government has secured a $5 million World Bank grant, estimated at N7 billion, to provide solar-powered electricity to six major health and educational institutions across the state.

The intervention, which will deliver rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, is expected to improve power supply in key public institutions and reduce the burden of unreliable electricity and rising diesel costs.

Announcing the development in Damaturu over the weekend, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Energy, Dr Mustapha Abba Geidam, said the funding followed a partnership championed by Governor Mai Mala Buni between the Federal Rural Electrification Agency (FREA) and the World Bank.

He stated that the project aims to enhance service delivery in vital sectors, particularly health and education, while promoting sustainable development in the state.

According to him, the institutions selected to benefit from the project include Specialist and General Hospitals in Potiskum, Buni-Yadi, Geidam and Nguru, as well as Umar Suleiman College of Education, Nguru, and Yobe State University, Damaturu.

Dr Geidam explained that the project is aimed at addressing the persistent power challenges affecting the institutions, noting that many of them currently depend on multiple diesel-powered generators to function.

He said the poor and unstable electricity supply has continued to affect healthcare delivery and learning activities, adding that the installation of solar PV (photovoltaic) systems would provide a cleaner, more dependable and more affordable energy source.

He noted that the new solar systems would provide more reliable services, cut operational expenses, and contribute to environmental sustainability in the state.

The permanent secretary also mentioned that the project was based on a thorough study of feasibility and energy needs, which indicated that most of the chosen facilities are suitable for installing solar panels on their roofs, while ground-mounted systems will be used where needed.

He added that the full project proposal had already been formally submitted to the managing director and chief executive officer of YOREA, Engr Abba Aliyu, for immediate consideration and implementation.

The government described the project as another major step in its drive to improve public infrastructure and expand access to clean energy, saying the initiative reflects Governor Buni’s commitment to transforming Yobe’s energy sector and improving the living conditions of residents.

Yobe also expressed his appreciation to the World Bank and the Rural Electrification Agency for their support, while pledging full commitment to the successful execution of the project.