Lawmakers Scrutinise Energizing Education Programme

The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy has intensified its scrutiny of the Energizing Education Programme (EEP), summoning the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, to appear before it over the implementation of solar power projects in federal tertiary institutions.

The Committee resolved to summon the REA boss after he failed to honour an earlier invitation to attend an investigative hearing at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

He is now expected to appear before the panel on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, to respond to questions regarding the execution, funding and sustainability of projects under the EEP.

The probe follows the House’s October 2022 resolution mandating the Committee to investigate the domiciliation and implementation of green and renewable energy projects across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), with particular focus on value for money and adherence to due process.

Chairman of the Committee, Afam Ogene, said the ongoing audit is aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in renewable energy interventions, especially those executed under Phases I, II and III of the EEP.

According to him, the Committee is examining whether the projects were properly awarded, implemented according to specifications and are currently delivering the intended benefits to beneficiary institutions.

Universities Under Review

Institutions covered under the review include the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and its Teaching Hospital; Bayero University Kano; Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi; and Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun.

Others are Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

Contractors handling solar hybrid installations for the University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University), the Nigeria Defence Academy; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; and University of Maiduguri have also been directed to appear before the Committee.

They are required to present original and certified true copies of contract award letters, executed agreements, memoranda of understanding, technical specifications, engineering drawings, feasibility studies, project status reports, implementation timelines and commissioning documents, as well as sustainability plans.

Concerns Over Value for Money

Speaking during the hearing, Ogene noted that the Committee’s mandate includes investigating the domiciliation of renewable energy projects with inappropriate entities to prevent substandard implementation and loss of public funds.

He stressed that the panel would also examine foreign grants and government investments in the renewable energy sector from 2015 to date, as well as assess the utilisation of renewable energy across MDAs.

The lawmaker expressed concern over reports of poorly executed projects and the failure of public lighting infrastructure in several parts of the country, questioning whether adequate oversight and maintenance mechanisms were in place.

According to him, the investigation is not a witch-hunt but part of the House’s constitutional responsibility to ensure accountability and efficient service delivery.

The Committee is expected to reconvene on Wednesday for the appearance of the REA Managing Director and other stakeholders as lawmakers intensify scrutiny of the Energizing Education Programme and other renewable energy initiatives nationwide.