The Federal Government of Nigeria flagged off a 7MW hybrid solar power project at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) on September 17, 2025, just days after the hospital’s power disconnection issue with the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) was resolved.The KEDCO dispute began around mid-September 2025, when the company disconnected electricity to AKTH over an alleged outstanding debt of ₦949 million (disputed by the hospital as ₦800–880 million). This outage reportedly led to the deaths of three patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) who were on life-support equipment, prompting public outrage and urgent appeals from AKTH management for reconnection to avoid further risks to patients.

KEDCO denied direct responsibility for the deaths, claiming the disconnection targeted non-essential areas like staff quarters and that power was restored before the reported fatalities. Mediation by the Kano State Police Command on September 15, 2025, facilitated a truce, leading to full restoration of electricity to the hospital.In response to ongoing power reliability concerns for teaching hospitals nationwide—exacerbated by high electricity costs and frequent outages—the Federal Government approved funds for solar hybrid projects in the 2025 budget, following advocacy by medical directors and discussions with President Bola Tinubu. The AKTH project, valued at approximately ₦12 billion and facilitated by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Abubakar Bichi, aims to make the hospital independent of the national grid, saving over 30% on energy expenses and ensuring uninterrupted power for critical services. It is the first in a nationwide initiative to solarize all tertiary health institutions and teaching hospitals across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.