Renewable Energy Integration for Cost Reduction and Academic Advancement in Nigerian Higher Education

Reliable energy supply is critical to the functioning of higher education, influencing teaching, research, and administrative efficiency. In Nigeria, however, universities grapple with persistent grid outages and high dependence on diesel generators, which escalate costs and undermine academic productivity. Renewable energy presents a viable alternative for addressing these challenges while advancing sustainability. This study employed a systematic review design to examine energy reliability challenges in Nigerian universities and renewable energy solutions for sustainability. Evidence was sourced from 2016–2025 publications, government reports, university audits, and donor agency documents, retrieved using databases such as Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, JSTOR, and AJOL. A total of 54 relevant documents were retained after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Analysis followed a thematic approach, categorising evidence under diesel reliance, academic disruptions, environmental and health impacts, and renewable adoption outcomes. Findings revealed that renewable interventions, especially solar microgrids, reduce energy costs, enhance reliability, and improve academic services across universities including OAU, FUNAAB, UNIZIK, and UNILAG. The study concludes that integrating renewable energy is essential for reducing operational costs, safeguarding academic advancement, and positioning Nigerian universities as models of sustainable development.