Federal University of Technology Owerri, FUTO, Has Nigeria’s Largest University Solar Plant
On September 21, 2025, an X user @abdullahayofel made a claim that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has completed an 8.54 Megawatts Peak (MWp) Solar Hybrid Power Plant at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO. The poster futher claimed that the project is, “Nigeria’s largest university solar hybrid plant,” describing it as a milestone in sustainable energy and education infrastructure.The post had an image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and three images showing solar plants with the caption:
“BREAKUK: South-East Shines as PBAT’s Govt Unveils Nigeria’s Largest University Solar Plant at FUTO❤️✊🇳🇬 The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recorded another milestone in its drive towards sustainable energy and improved infrastructure for Nigerian universities, with the completion of an 8.54 Megawatts Peak (MWp) Solar Hybrid Power Plant at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State. The project, which is the largest solar hybrid plant ever installed in a Nigerian tertiary institution, is part of the Federal Government’s deliberate efforts to provide clean, reliable, and cost-effective electricity across critical national assets. It reflects the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government’s commitment to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda through innovation, youth empowerment, and climate-smart energy solutions. For decades, inadequate power supply has been a major obstacle to teaching, learning, and research in Nigerian universities. Many institutions rely heavily on diesel generators, which not only strain finances but also harm the environment. The FUTO solar hybrid facility, designed with advanced battery storage systems and backup solutions, will drastically reduce dependence on diesel, cut energy costs, and ensure uninterrupted electricity for laboratories, classrooms, hostels, and ICT hubs. Government officials noted that the project will transform FUTO into a model of energy sustainability, boosting academic productivity and fostering a conducive environment for both staff and students. The FUTO project aligns with President Tinubu’s broader plan to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix, expand renewable energy adoption, and stimulate economic growth through technology-driven investments. Under the APC government, the Federal Ministry of Power and its implementing partners have been rolling out solar hybrid projects across universities, teaching hospitals, and rural communities. Analysts say these interventions are a strategic response to Nigeria’s energy deficit, with Tinubu positioning the country to meet global clean energy targets while unlocking new opportunities in green jobs and renewable technology. Beyond energy, the Tinubu administration has been keen on leveraging infrastructure to spur national development. From the energy sector to transportation and digital economy reforms, the APC-led government insists that every project is tied to its promise of restoring hope, uplifting young Nigerians, and making the economy more competitive. The FUTO solar plant stands as proof of this promise, a legacy project that not only lights up a campus but also sends a strong message of commitment to innovation-driven governance”.
When this report was published, this claim had about 12,000 views and over 420 replies, reposts, quotes, likes and bookmarks. In the comment section, @Akinolahammed said “The power sector is working” and @nwandu99 wrote “Laughable,the Baron has don nothing”.
VERIFICATION
During President Buhari's administration, the Nigeria Rural Electrification Agency, REA, implemented the Energizing Education Programme,EEP, which has delivered large-scale solar hybrid power projects in some universities. This included the Bayero University Kano, BUK with a 7.1 MW off-grid solar hybrid power plant in 2019 and the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, FUAM, with an 8.25 MW solar hybrid captive power plant in 2020. Under the same initiative, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, tested a 3 MW hybrid solar project in February 2025.
However, there is no official press release from the Federal Government, REA, or FUTO’s management confirming the completion of any 8.54 Megawatts Peak (MWp) Solar Hybrid Power Plant at FUTO. Additionally, there are no reports from any credible Nigerian media outlets like the widely reported FUAM and BUK projects.
To identify the origin of the solar panel images, NV-A performed a reverse image search using Google Lens. The search results show that the images recently appeared on various social media accounts, which are linked here, and here. However, a review of GFP Drones official social media pages did not show these images on their platform.
When contacted by the fact checker, Ifunnanya Alfred, an administrative staff with the Physics department, at FUTO Owerri, said “I am not aware of such development here. There is no way such a contract would come into the school and my department would not be carried along.”
CONCLUSION
The claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has completed an 8.54 MW solar hybrid power plant at FUTO and that it is the largest university solar plant in Nigeria is FALSE. While Nigeria has commissioned large solar hybrid projects in universities such as FUAM (8.25 MW) and BUK (7.1 MW), there is no official confirmation or credible report to support the completion of an 8.54 MW facility at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
