By Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna marked a significant achievement with the inauguration of a cutting-edge 2.5 Megawatts Hybrid Solar Power Plant, alongside the completion of Phase One of a 600-kilowatts photovoltaic solar power project.
This transformative initiative represents a generous contribution from the Federal Government.
A wave of elation swept through the academy with a population of 12,368 people as Commandant Maj.-Gen. AK Ibrahim, faculty, cadets, and esteemed guests celebrated this momentous occasion.
Persecondnews reports that the commissioning signaled the end of years plagued by inconsistent power supply, a development lauded as a pivotal advancement for Africa’s leading military academy
The 2.5MW Hybrid Solar Power Plant was funded by the World Bank in conjunction with the Federal 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.
The project has drastically reduced 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.
The 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 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 are lighting up Nigeria’s future—one institution at a time.”
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