The Yobe State Government has announced a groundbreaking plan to transition all public secondary schools to solar energy by 2025, replacing fossil fuels as the primary power source.
Alhaji Baba Malam-Wali, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), revealed the move during an inspection of ongoing school projects in Nguru on Monday.
“Switching to solar energy is not just a financial decision; it’s a commitment to a sustainable future for our state,” Malam-Wali stated. “By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, we aim to provide our schools with a stable and eco-friendly power source, ensuring students have reliable energy for learning.”
The SSG noted that the transition aligns with Yobe’s broader strategy to improve education quality. Since 2019, the government has introduced reforms focused on school decongestion, rural enrollment, and easing financial burdens on parents by covering fees for the 2025 West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE) and National Examination Council (NECO). “Our reforms aim to provide an accessible, quality education for every child, regardless of their location or background,” he said.
Infrastructure improvements have been a major part of these reforms, with the state investing heavily in rehabilitating schools, providing new furniture, and supporting a free feeding program for secondary school students that costs approximately N500 million per month.
Principals of the schools, including Government Higher Islamic College, Nguru, and Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Yobe Campus, expressed gratitude for the government’s initiatives. Mr. Hasibullahi Jogi, Principal of NTIC, said, “The government’s dedication to educational development is evident, and it has already made a significant difference in our facilities and student outcomes.”
Malam-Wali’s solar transition plan represents a major step in Yobe’s commitment to sustainable development, contributing to national energy reform goals. The initiative coincides with Nigeria’s 2023 Electricity Act, which decentralizes the power sector, allowing states to control more of their energy generation and distribution.
“This solar initiative is part of our vision for a resilient, forward-thinking Yobe. It’s about empowering our young generation with the tools and environment they need to excel,” Malam-Wali added. “We’re not just investing in power; we’re investing in the future of Yobe.”
