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TINUBU UNVEILS PLAN TO INSTALL SOLAR PANELS IN PUBLIC HIGHER INSTITUTIONS ACROSS NIGERIA

President Bola Tinubu has announced plans to install solar panels in public higher institutions across Nigeria, aiming to mitigate the financial strain caused by high electricity tariffs imposed by power distribution companies. This move is part of the administration’s efforts to prioritize education and address the long-standing concerns of universities over escalating power costs. Speaking at the 55th convocation ceremony of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education. “My administration recognizes that education is the cornerstone of national development. It is the bedrock upon which a prosperous society is built. This understanding is reflected in our policies and investments in the education sector,” he stated. The proposed 2025 budget allocates ₦3.52 trillion to education, the third-highest allocation, underscoring efforts to revitalize the sector. Tinubu noted, “The ‘Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity’ reflects our determination to stabilize the economy, improve lives, and position Nigeria for a brighter future.” The administration has also introduced key reforms, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has expanded access to higher education by easing financial barriers for students. Thousands have already benefited, with plans to extend the initiative to reach more students. Furthermore, Tinubu has approved N100 billion to provide solar-powered energy to public institutions as part of the 2025 fiscal year agenda. This initiative is expected to reduce the cost of governance and provide a sustainable source of energy for public institutions.

GRID TRIPPING, NOT SYSTEM COLLAPSE, SAYS TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has clarified that the nation’s grid did not experience a collapse, contrary to widely published misinformation in the media. In a statement, the General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, stated that the grid tripping was caused by the Osogbo – Ihovour line tripping, followed by the Benin – Omotosho line tripping, which affected bulk supply to the Lagos axis alone. Mbah explained that at about 13:00 hours, just before the tripping, total generation on the grid was 4,335.63 megawatts. After the trippings, however, generation was 2,573.23 megawatts, showing clearly that the grid did not experience a collapse. Mbah further stated that the transmission line tripping affected Egbin, Olorunsogo, Omotoso, Geregu, and Paras power plants, with 12 units affected, but these have all been restored except the Benin – Omotoso 330kV line. The GM, Public Affairs emphasized that as TCN continues to work hard to put in place a robust transmission grid, despite prevailing challenges, it is imperative that the public understands the negative impact of deliberately misinforming the public and the value of disseminating true and verifiable facts.