Arguments in Favor (Yes, Schools Should Use Only Renewable Energy)
Transitioning schools to 100% renewable energy—such as solar, wind, or hydro—would drastically reduce their carbon footprint and demonstrate environmental responsibility. Schools can serve as role models in climate action for both students and the wider community.
In the long run, renewable energy saves money. Although the initial installation costs (like solar panels or battery systems) may be high, schools would benefit from lower electricity bills and reduced reliance on costly diesel generators and unreliable public power supply.
Nigeria enjoys abundant sunshine, making solar energy a natural and sustainable option for schools across the country. Running on renewables can also reduce power outages that disrupt learning, particularly in rural areas.
Integrating renewable energy into school infrastructure creates opportunities for hands-on learning in science and technology. Students gain practical knowledge about sustainability, energy conservation, and engineering.
Arguments Against (No, It May Not Be Practical Yet)
The upfront cost of transitioning to 100% renewable energy is too expensive for many schools, especially public ones that are already underfunded. Solar panels, inverters, batteries, and maintenance require significant investment.
Some schools are located in areas with inconsistent weather patterns or limited access to renewable energy infrastructure. In such cases, relying solely on renewables could make power supply unreliable, especially without backup systems.
Not all school administrators are trained in renewable system management. Without proper knowledge or technical support, the systems could be mismanaged or underutilized, leading to waste of resources and failed projects.
Focusing too heavily on energy infrastructure might distract from other pressing needs in the education system, such as classroom development, teacher salaries, and learning resources.
Conclusion
Running schools entirely on renewable energy is an inspiring and forward-thinking goal. However, it may be more realistic to start with hybrid models or partial implementation, particularly in underfunded regions. With government support, donor funding, and public-private partnerships, Nigerian schools can gradually transition to clean energy, creating both environmental and educational benefits in the process.
