The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna is now celebrating a historic milestone with the triumphant commissioning of a state-of-the-art 2.5 Megawatts Hybrid Solar Power Plant and the Phase One 600-kilowatts photovoltaic solar power project, a transformative gift from the Federal Government. Commandant of the academy, Major General AK Ibrahim, staff, cadets, and stakeholders erupted in jubilation as the academy bid farewell to decades of erratic electricity—a leap hailed as a game-changer for Africa’s premier military institution.
The 2.5MW Hybrid Solar Power Plant was funded by the World Bank in conjunction with the Ministry of Power through its agency, the Rural Electrification Agency(REA). While the 600KW Solar Photovoltaic solar power project was fully funded by the Ministry of Power.
The visionary project slashes the NDA’s reliance on the national grid by 50 percent, ensuring uninterrupted power to energize academic excellence, military training, and daily operations. Beyond illuminating classrooms and barracks, the solar plant revolutionizes infrastructure with nine kilometres of solar-powered streetlights for enhanced security, a world-class renewable energy training centre, and upgraded electrical networks to future-proof the academy. Over 12,368 members of the NDA community will now thrive under clean, sustainable energy, embodying Nigeria’s march toward a greener, resilient future.
Commandant Ibrahim declared, “this project propels us to uphold our legacy as Nigeria’s crown jewel of military excellence. With pride, we celebrate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership and the Federal Government’s bold strides in energy security”. He praised the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, for his unwavering support, calling the project a testament to collaborative nation-building.
As a proud beneficiary of the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) Phase II, the NDA now shines as a beacon of innovation. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) further sparked inspiration by training 20 pioneering female cadets in solar technology, bridging gender gaps in renewable energy and empowering tomorrow’s leaders.
Adelabu emphasized, *“Powering the NDA with solar energy fortifies national assets, drives education, security, and sustainability. Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we’re lighting up Nigeria’s future—one institution at a time”.
With this landmark achievement, the NDA charges forward as a symbol of resilience and innovation with brighter classrooms, safer campuses, empowered cadets, and a nation surging ahead on the wings of renewable energy.
